In this match, Mumbai team was in a good position while chasing the challenge of 169 runs given by Gujarat. They needed 43 runs from 30 balls with seven batsmen left. However, Mumbai could score only seven runs in the next two overs and lost the wicket of Dewald Brevis (46) who was frozen to the ground. After this, instead of batting at number six, Hardik sent Tim David. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan had also raised questions on this decision of Hardik.

Actually, Tim David could score only 11 runs in 10 balls. Then Hardik, who came to bat at number seven, hit a six and a four respectively on the first two balls of the last over. However, Mumbai’s hopes of victory ended when Umesh Yadav was dismissed on the third ball of the over and ultimately Mumbai lost by six runs.

Kieron Pollard supported Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat at number seven.

They said, “It would be wrong to say that the decision to bat at number seven was Hardik alone. As a team we plan. We consider which batsman can perform best in which conditions of the match. In this match our opening batsmen batted for a long time. Apart from this, we had two batsmen who had the ability to hit in the last over. David played the role of a match-winner for us last season.”

“When Hardik was in Mumbai, he has been winning us matches for years. But sometimes they may also fail. Only Hardik should not be blamed. This was the decision of all of us and we support Hardik.”

Pollard came out in support of his captain, so it is not right to blame Hardik alone for any decision.