Kieron Pollard Optimistic About Will Jacks' Return Ahead of IPL Clash

Pollard Anticipates Jacks' Arrival

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 11: Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for Mumbai Indians (MI), has shared his optimism regarding the imminent arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacks, just before their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

During a pre-match press briefing, Pollard mentioned that he was not informed of any particular fitness issues concerning Jacks, emphasizing that the team has a robust squad depth ready to step in during his absence.

“We expect Will Jacks to join us very soon. As for fitness concerns, I’m not aware of any. Our team consists of over 20 players, and while he’s currently unavailable, he will be here shortly,” Pollard stated.

The former West Indies all-rounder expressed confidence in Jacks' ability to make a significant impact upon his return, praising his skills with both bat and ball.

“When he arrives, I hope he maintains a low economy rate, takes wickets, and scores runs for us,” he added.

Support for Bumrah Amid Criticism

Pollard also defended Jasprit Bumrah, who faced criticism for his performance against Rajasthan Royals, pointing out the changing dynamics of T20 cricket where maintaining economy rates can be more crucial than merely taking wickets.

“In today’s T20 cricket, focusing solely on wickets isn’t always feasible. If you observe the current games, power plays often exceed 100 runs. Sometimes, the best strategy is to defend. We’re not overly concerned about Bumrah’s lack of wickets; he’s a world-class bowler who has consistently performed for India and MI. When the moment arises, he will take wickets, and if he remains economical, we will accept that as well,” Pollard remarked.

Looking Ahead to the RCB Match

As the team prepares for their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pollard emphasized that every IPL game holds equal importance, with teams aiming to secure vital points rather than fixating on their opponents.

“Regarding RCB, every match in the IPL is exciting. All contests are ones to look forward to because the main goal is to earn two points. We focus on playing good cricket rather than concentrating too much on the opposition. Hopefully, the outcome will favor us,” he stated.

Celebrating Rohit Sharma's Milestone

Pollard also took a moment to commend Rohit Sharma for reaching 15 years with the franchise, describing it as a rare and commendable feat in contemporary cricket.

“Rohit Sharma has celebrated 15 years as a Mumbai Indian, which is a remarkable achievement. Few players can claim such loyalty to a single franchise. I’m fortunate to say that I can. He has been an exceptional leader for us and for Indian cricket, and we are grateful to have him in our team,” Pollard concluded.