• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news, IPL 2024
• 03/25/2024
• 0 Comments

In the aftermath of Mumbai Indians’ narrow defeat against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2024 opener, Kieron Pollard, the team’s batting coach, came to the defence of Ishan Kishan following his four-ball duck. Despite MI’s loss under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, Pollard expressed confidence in Kishan’s abilities and assured that he would bounce back strongly in the tournament.

Positive Outlook Despite Setback

Pollard emphasised that Kishan’s failure to score in the opening match shouldn’t overshadow his potential contributions in the long IPL season. He highlighted Kishan’s experience within the MI setup and remained optimistic about his future performances.

Acknowledging Kishan’s recent form and consistent practice, Pollard reassured reporters that the young wicketkeeper-batter is in good shape mentally and physically. He hoped Kishan would soon deliver standout performances that would earn him praise from fans and critics alike.

The clash against Gujarat Titans marked Kishan’s return to high-profile cricket after a significant break. Following his absence from competitive cricket, Kishan participated in the DY Patil T20 Cup in February, but his performance was scrutinized, especially given his exclusion from the national team.

Training Amid Speculation

During his hiatus from competitive cricket, Kishan trained rigorously at a private facility, opting out of domestic cricket matches. This decision fueled speculation about his absence from the national side. It raised questions about his commitment to domestic cricket, particularly in light of the BCCI’s encouragement for players to participate in domestic tournaments during off-seasons.

The culmination of Kishan’s absence from domestic cricket and his omission from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in February led to further scrutiny and speculation about his future in Indian cricket.

Despite the challenges and scrutiny surrounding his recent performances, Ishan Kishan remains a key figure in the Mumbai Indians’ setup. Kieron Pollard’s backing highlights the team’s faith in his abilities to deliver impactful performances in the IPL 2024 season.