IPL 2019: Kieron Pollards Heaps Praise on Hardik Pandya’s Power-Hitting
May 2, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Mumbai Indians talisman all-rounder Kieron Pollard has heaped praise on the power-hitting abilities of Hardik Pandya. The Baroda all-rounder has impressed with pyrotechnics in the ongoing edition of the IPL 2019. Hardik Pandya is the second highest run-getter for the three-times champions Mumbai Indians. The right-hander has thus far scored 355 runs in the 12 matches he has played.
Furthermore, the talisman batsman has batted with an average of 50.71. Moreover, the right-hander has scored his runs with a staggering strike rate of 198.32. Pandya had scored a blistering knock of 91 runs from 34 balls with the help of six fours and nine sixes.
Pandya is striking them big.
“He is a small guy but hits (the ball) a long way. And again, once he continues to practice well and continues to evolve as a cricketer, you can see him doing great things not only for Mumbai Indians but by extension Indian cricket,” said Pollard about Pandya on the eve of MI’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2019) game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Pollard stated that Hardik Pandya has confidence in his abilities. The right-hander is doing a fine job for the Mumbai Indians and he would like to carry the same form going.
“He’s not really practising differently. It is about believing in his ability. Obviously, the situations he has been in, he had no choice but to go and hit and he has shown his power-game as well, so it’s good for him. Even when he came onto the scene, if you remember, a couple of games for Mumbai (Indians), he finished off with his big hits”.
Meanwhile, Pandya is striking the ball cleanly which must have added confidence to his bag. The right-hander has provided the finishing touches to the Mumbai Indians and he would aim to get going in a similar fashion.
Confidence is the key.
“I am sure even if there is something technical that he has worked on, he wouldn’t want to put that out in the media. That is something that if he is working on his game, he does it in private. He wants you guys to see the results of his hard work,” he added.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be without the services of David Warner for the match against Mumbai Indians. Pollard believes it would be an advantage for their side in their next encounter.
“It’s an advantage, obviously. David (Warner) is a world-class player. He has shown what he can do and he has shown that he was integral part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (campaign). So, as an opponent, we feel good about it that he is not there, one less guy who was has been in form. But having said that I am sure they have in their armoury a lot of world-class talent to back it up.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians will take on each other at latter’s home ground on 2nd May 2019.