Kieron Pollard mentioned that the team’s strategy is to focus on playing one game at a time without dwelling too much on distant future considerations. Mumbai Indians assistant coach Kieron Pollard has suggested that the team is not considering resting premier Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the remaining IPL matches.
Despite their struggles this season, with only four wins in 12 matches and occupying the ninth spot on the points table, the five-time champions still hold a slim mathematical chance of making it to the playoffs.
Bumrah has been the top-performing bowler for MI this season, currently leading the race for the Purple Cap with 18 wickets in 12 matches. Nevertheless, some supporters are urging Hardik Pandya and the team to make a brave choice to rest Bumrah for the remaining matches, aiming to keep him rejuvenated for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Meanwhile, when questioned about this during the post-match press conference on Monday, Pollard suggested that they have no intentions of implementing such strategies.
“I certainly haven’t had any discussions about that,” Pollard told media after the game when asked if there are any plans to rest Bumrah from MI’s remaining two matches keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The former MI all-rounder stated that the team’s approach is to focus on executing their game plan in its entirety and avoid overly concerning themselves with distant future matters.
“I don’t think that’s my role and function at this point in time. But let’s see what happens. We are all here to play an entire IPL. Sometimes when we think too far ahead of different things, thinking about World Cups, all these things could affect performances even from before the team was selected,” he further added.
Pollard added that their primary objective is to conclude the season with a strong performance
“For us and in our camp, the most important thing is finishing off the IPL and let’s see what happens after that. When he leaves the IPL and he goes into the Indian team, I think that’s where that concession will take place,” Pollard added.
MI’s final IPL match is scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants at their home ground on May 17. Following that, the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, is set to commence on June 1.
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