Shaun Pollock, currently in his role as the mentor of Mumbai Indians, dubbed the re-laid Chepauk wicket ‘interesting,' while also giving credit to Harbhajan Singh in his role as the skipper for the Champions League T20.
“It (the wicket) has been interesting, to say the least. In our game against NSW Blues the batsmen found it difficult (201 runs for the loss of 12 wickets over 37 overs) to get going, but Chennai's game against NSW (365 runs were amassed in 38.5 overs) was very different.
“We've had two games here (in Chennai) and we need to adjust on the day, see how the first five or six deliveries behave and adapt accordingly,” said Pollock, ahead of his side's semifinal clash against Somerset on Saturday.
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MI was one of the teams to make early headway in the tournament, and Pollock praised Harbhajan's role in the side's progress.
“Harbhajan has done well; he thrives on responsibility both on the field as a bowler and as a captain. He has been good for us, calm, relaxed and focused, keen to listen to the advice of guys on the field and to the coaching staff. A lot of credit for our performance should go to Bhajji in his role as the captain,” said the former South African all-rounder.
Pollock also said he wasn't very concerned about his side's batting failures, and that the past counts for very little once the side has made it to the last four. “You can look at it (the batting failures) two ways, you can either be concerned or excited and I would say the cup is half full. The top order hasn't clicked, but it is exciting. If we can get them going like in the rained out game against Cape Cobras, it should do. What matters is what happens on the semifinal and final days,”
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What could, however, add to MI's woes was the sight of Kieron Pollard walking off Thursday's practice with icing on his wrist. The MI team management said it was awaiting the results of a scan on the left wrist, which the all-rounder injured while batting in the nets.