“I think majority of it is man-management. It comes down to that. It comes down to conversations, one-on-one conversations.
Pollard, who was the team’s batting coach for the last four seasons, has taken over from Mahela Jayawardene ahead of IPL 2027. His immediate task as MI’s head coach will be to finalise the retentions ahead of the deadline in mid-November, before the auction happens in Goa on December 16.
New Mumbai Indians head coach Kieron Pollard said man-management and one-on-one conversations with players would be at the core of his coaching approach with the five-time IPL champions.
New Mumbai Indians head coach Kieron Pollard said man-management and one-on-one conversations with players would be at the core of his coaching approach with the five-time IPL champions.
But for me personally, when you speak cricket, that’s when, and you have nothing else to do, that’s when you learn, and it becomes easier from a planning and tactical perspective when it comes to actually planning for the game,” Pollard said in a video posted on the franchise’s social media accounts on Saturday. “Over the years, things have changed with the introduction of social media, a lot of punditry shows, and all of these things, whereas it takes the guys away from sitting together and actually watching cricket. Again, you’re seeing the landscape sort of shift. “I think it’s more preparation. Obviously, the captain is in control of what’s taking place or certain decisions. Yes, you’re going to communicate certain things, but the way that we have planned, the way that we are prepared, the tactical side behind it, and the conversation and getting guys to play certain roles, be responsible. “Most fun part is that you are able to set the tone in any environment for the team. Obviously, the challenging part is going to be if results are not going your way. Nothing is going to sort of faze me. It’s still a game of cricket. “Maybe, or maybe not. I’ve gone to the grind from player to even on the coaching setup and everything that’s happened.
Because the work has to be done before, i think match day, at times, as an individual and being around a match day, is sort of an easier day,. “Because when match day comes, there’s no control of certain things anymore. So that’s going to be fun. Because then you’re able to perform when you are in that sort of zone, “Being a Caribbean sort of guy, I think that is something, that fun and entertainment and relaxation is something that I’m big on,.
Pollard, who joined the franchise in 2010 and then became the batting coach ahead of the 2023 season. said the bulk of a head coach’s work happens well before match day. Asked whether walking out at the Wankhede Stadium as head coach in IPL 2027 would feel different, Pollard said the sight of MI flags was what mattered most to him.
With several star names in the MI squad, like skipper Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir, Pollard, also the head coach of MI London team in The Hundred men’s competition, said a key part of his job would be to free them from immense pressure. The Trinidadian said setting the tone would be the most enjoyable part of the job, while poor results would be the biggest test. I go back to what I just said to you.
