• By Manik Sharma
  • Sun, 07 Jan 2024 03:35 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IPL 2024: The controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya's appointment as the new Mumbai Indians (MI) captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 continues to stir discussions. Kieron Pollard, the former West Indies captain and current Mumbai Indians batting coach, added fuel to the fire with a cryptic Instagram post, leaving social media abuzz.

In his post, Pollard intriguingly touched upon the theme of 'loyalty,' prompting fans to speculate about its potential connection to Mumbai Indians' decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain.

"Once the rain is over, an umbrella becomes a burden to everyone. That's how loyalty ends when benefits stop," read Pollard's enigmatic post.

ALSO READ: PCB To Reprimand Spinner Abrar Ahmed For Ignoring Instructions By Medical Panel During Rehabilitation: Report

Having been a marquee player for Mumbai Indians since 2010, Pollard's legacy includes contributing to five IPL titles with his exceptional all-round performances. Although he retired ahead of the last season's IPL auction, his influence on the team remains crucial.

India's premier pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah was the first to add to the intrigue with a cryptic Instagram story that stated, "Silence is sometimes the best answer." While the reason behind Bumrah's reaction remains unclear, many fans speculated a link to Hardik Pandya's transfer.

Following Rohit Sharma's removal as the Mumbai Indians skipper, star batter Suryakumar Yadav also expressed his emotions through a cryptic post featuring a heartbreak emoji on both his official Instagram and X accounts.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's T20I Future In Radar As BCCI Delays Squad Announcement For Afghanistan Series

Recently, Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians' Global Head of Cricket, acknowledged that the decision to replace Rohit with Hardik was emotional but deemed necessary for the team's future.

While it remains uncertain if Pollard's Instagram story directly comments on the tense situation between Hardik and Rohit, fans have already begun interpreting its meaning in relation to Hardik's captaincy role in the Mumbai Indians camp.

In a separate development, the England and Wales Cricket Board appointed Kieron Pollard as the assistant coach of the white-ball team for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on December 24.