Pollard Defends Hardik After Disappointing MI Season and Calls for Collective Accountability

Kieron Pollard has backed Hardik Pandya following Mumbai Indians’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, insisting that no individual should be blamed for the franchise’s struggles after they finished ninth in the standings.

Mumbai Indians ended another difficult season with defeat against Rajasthan Royals, extending their title drought since 2020. Reflecting on the campaign, Pollard admitted the season had been frustrating for both the team and supporters, describing it as a tournament filled with missed opportunities and inconsistency.

Despite growing criticism surrounding Hardik’s leadership and personal form, Pollard stressed that the failures belonged to the entire squad and management group rather than one player alone. He explained that the franchise would avoid making emotional decisions immediately after the season and instead conduct a thorough review once everyone had time to reflect calmly.

Pollard also defended the strategic decisions taken before the season, pointing out that Mumbai had finished in the top four just one year earlier, which justified many of the retention and squad-building choices that were made.

Hardik endured a difficult campaign both as captain and allrounder, but Pollard maintained that the team had fully supported him throughout the tournament. According to Pollard, everyone within the setup worked hard to create the best possible environment for Hardik to succeed, even though results ultimately failed to follow.

Another major talking point this season was the underwhelming form of Jasprit Bumrah, who managed only four wickets despite maintaining an economical bowling record. Pollard revealed Bumrah had been dealing with fitness concerns after the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup and that the management carefully managed his workload throughout the tournament.

Mumbai also chose to rest Bumrah for their final league game, a decision Pollard described as sensible given the team was already eliminated from playoff contention. He emphasized Bumrah’s long-term importance to Indian cricket and said protecting him physically was more important than risking him in a dead-rubber fixture.

Pollard concluded by stating that significant internal discussions would now take place as Mumbai Indians attempt to understand why another talented squad failed to challenge seriously for the IPL title.

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