Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard defended skipper Hardik Pandya despite his poor show during the hosts’ 20-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

It was a forgettable game for the all-rounder Pandya, who was smashed for 26 runs in the 20th over; 20 coming from the blade of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. The innings included a hat-trick of sixes as Pandya’s figures read 3-0-43-2. Chasing CSK’s 206-4, Pandya managed just two runs off six balls.