IPL 2019: Hardik Pandya hits the ball a long way, says Kieron Pollard

Hardik Pandya has amassed 355 runs, with a strike rate of 198.32 and his fireworks has helped his team fare well at the death overs.

Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya during a training session. (File Photo)

For Hardik Pandya, this has been an Indian Premier League season to remember.

The Mumbai Indians all-rounder has amassed 355 runs, with a strike rate of 198.32 and his fireworks has helped his team fare well at the death overs.

And as the team gears up for its important fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians’ seasoned campaigner, Kieron Pollard heaped praise on the 25-year-old.

“Even when he came onto the scene, if you remember, in a couple of games for Mumbai (Indians), he finished off with his big hits. He is a small guy but hits the ball a long way. And 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 (also for) Indian cricket,” Pollard said.

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Having played together for long, Pollard admitted that all Hardik requires is some confidence. “It is matter of him having the confidence and you giving him the confidence for him to believe in himself, because he is one of those guys who is free-spirited and just goes out and tries to use his youthful exuberance to have an impact on the game,” the West Indies all-rounder said.

Before the IPL, life was not easy for Hardik. In September last year, he suffered a back injury during the Asia Cup and earlier this year, faced a suspension for controversial remarks on a television talk show.

But he shrugged everything aside and ensured that he delivers the goods for Mumbai.