'You might come to us next year' - Hardik Pandya wishes to have Kieron Pollard in GT for IPL 2023

Having represented the Mumbai Indians for seven seasons ever since his IPL debut in 2015 and also being an integral part of their four title triumphs, Hardik Pandya was released by the five-time champions for the 2022 season after which he was roped in by the new entrants Gujarat Titans for a staggering INR 15 crore and was named their captain as well.

Ahead of the upcoming match between GT and MI, Hardik has said that he is keen to have one of the Mumbai-based franchise’s players in Gujarat in the next season if possible. The player in the discussion is Caribbean all-rounder Kieron Pollard who was Hardik’s teammate in the Mumbai Indians and is also one of his and elder brother Krunal’s good friends.

Hardik Pandya opens up on missing ex-MI teammate Kieron Pollard

“I wish Polly (Pollard) to have the best day for him, but we win. I kind of messaged him few days as well that hope you’re okay and hope you’re doing well. I said we kind of miss you here. In a joking way, I said ‘You never know, you might come to us next year!’ It’s my wish but I know it’s never going to happen,” said Hardik in a video posted by GT.

Meanwhile, Pollard has been off-colored this season. The Windies power-hitter has only managed 129 runs from ten matches averaging 14.33 and a strike rate of 109.32 with his highest score being just 25. The big man has not made an impact in the wickets column either having registered only three scalps to his name. He would now be hoping to make amends in the remaining fixtures as MI look forward to bowing out in style with a few more wins under their belt.

Coming back to the ongoing contest, the coin landed in favor of GT skipper Hardik Pandya and he decided to bowl first. Kieron Pollard has been included in the Mumbai Indians’ playing XI. Gujarat would be hoping to consolidate a playoff berth with this win.