MI coach Kieron Pollard defended Rohit Sharma’s slow start in IPL 2025, saying his past success proves he is a legend, and a big score is coming soon.
Mumbai Indians’ batting coach Kieron Pollard has backed Rohit Sharma despite his slow start in IPL 2025, emphasizing the senior batter’s proven track record across formats. Rohit has managed scores of 0, 8, and 13 in three matches so far.
Mumbai Indians lost their first two games against Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans before securing their first points with an eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders. The team now prepares to face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium on Friday.
Pollard dismissed concerns over Rohit’s form, highlighting his past achievements and ability to deliver under pressure. He expressed confidence that Rohit would soon regain his rhythm.
“Rohit has etched his name in history, in record books, in different situations, in different formats of the game. He is a legend of the game. So, let’s not judge him on a couple of low scores,” PTI quoted Pollard as saying in the pre-match press conference.
“There are times when you will have a couple of low scores. As an individual, he is enjoying his cricket and not being pressurised in certain situations. I am sure we will be singing his praises when he comes and he gives us that big score and then we will be on to the next hot topic,” he added.
Kieron Pollard Dismisses Pitch Concerns After Zaheer Khan’s Criticism
Lucknow Super Giants mentor Zaheer Khan recently raised concerns about the Ekana Stadium pitch after the team’s eight-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, suggesting it favored the opposition. He joined several other coaches and mentors across IPL 2025 who have expressed dissatisfaction with home conditions.
Kieron Pollard was also asked about the issue but focused on adaptability. He opined that teams must adjust to any surface rather than rely on ideal conditions.
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“My expertise is not as a curator, but for us I think it’s more about adaptability in whatever is presented. On a particular day, as a forward player, coach management, you want to be able to prepare for any eventuality. The nature of the pitches is something that we can’t control. That’s how you get to be called world-class and legends, that you are able to adapt to anything that is in front of you,” Pollard concluded.
