Hardik's Unabashed Confidence Is His Biggest Strength: Pollard

Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians teammate Kieron Pollard said that Hardik channelises his self-belief into creating magic moments on the field

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians teammate Kieron Pollard feels Hardik Pandya's unabashed confidence, which some conservative individuals may feel negative about, is actually his biggest strength. After having a decent World Cup, Pandya has been named in a 15-man squad for the three-match home T20I series against South Africa. Speaking to IANS, Pollard said that Hardik channelises his self-belief into creating magic moments on the field. "I have seen him from when he started at Mumbai and I am not surprised. He has turned into an Indian superstar. The way he carries himself and the manner in which Hardik plays emulates how he is off the field and sometimes when you see guys like that, we as individuals who are very conservative tend to always have negative things to say. "But, you know, when you are a confident person off the field and you can take that on to the field and perform, I think that shows great mettle in the human itself," Pollard said of Hardik who is very close to the Trinidadian along with brother Krunal. The 32-year-old T20 specialist, Pollard scored 49, 8* and 58 vs India in the 3 T20Is as he made a great comeback in national squad. But he isn't thinking too far ahead and wants to take each day as it comes. "It was good to make a comeback. For me, once I step on a cricket field, it's always to perform to the best of my abilities for my team. Let's see what the future holds in terms of international cricket," he said. On West Indies cricket, keeping an eye on the T20 World Cup next year, Pollard said they have to meet expectations of being the defending champions. "We are defending champions so it's always difficult. But again, when that time comes we cross that bridge. It's a matter of trying to plan as best as possible and try to get that winning combination." On the Selector Fan Cup, he said: "I am very excited. The concept is something that will happen for the first time. So hopefully we can go out and enjoy. "For any youngster who has the opportunity to rub shoulders with international superstars and past and present players will always be a learning experience. I am sure they will be very excited."