Mumbai Indians

Paltan, after a great first match victory it is now time to regroup and get set for game number two of IPL 2026. Mumbai Indians are all set to take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4, 2026. Ahead of the clash, our Batting Coach, Kieron Pollard, lit up MI Charcha, engaging in a candid conversation that went beyond the boundary ropes. 🗣️💙

Pollard reflected on being Player, Coach and GOAT for 15 plus years for Mumbai Indians and what did MI mean to him, “MI is home away from home. I am very comfortable with the known faces around in the camp. Words cannot really describe what this team means to me. MI and my connection are a match made in heaven and this team has a very special place in my heart and long may that continue 🥹.”         

Further, sharing his insights on MI winning the toss and deciding to chase at Wankhede versus KKR. Pollard said, “Fresh start to the season, not sure on what would happen and the boys coming back together after a long interval, so chasing was the most sensible thing to do in the middle and see how they gel well. Though we were chasing down 220, the pitch was a very good one and the bowlers did well to restrict the opposition to that kind of a total.” 💪

Also speaking about the discussion in the dressing room before the start of the second innings, he opined, “It was a conscious effort after last season that we give it our all, and win this one. We are relatively slow starters, but that is not by choice. No matter what happens… We tried to get a change in narrative, had a couple of more practice games and the energies were pointed in the right direction. We just had a quick chat before going out to chase…saying it was a very good pitch and the bowlers did well to restrict the opposition. Let us continue with the right process and I do not see us not winning the game. 

“KKR’s strength was using their spinners and there was not much for them in the Wankhede pitch. Yes, they do have world class spinners but we had the capability of putting them under pressure early on. Rohit-Rickelton did that and the momentum continued, we never took a step back from there onwards.”

KP finally expressed how relieved they were as a unit after winning the first contest versus KKR, “Signs of relief that after so many years we won that first match. Indeed, a great effort from everyone to break that first game jinx, enjoyed it. It looked easy, but it was not that simple when you play against a world class opposition.”

Big man, bigger presence, and aura 👑…when Polly speaks, Paltan listens…because it is never just talk, it is all things MI… said from the heart! 💙