Pollard questions Hardik's decision after Shardul not used despite Impact Sub call: 'I will go back and ask'

Mumbai Indians’ heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday night raised several questions, but one decision stood out the most. Why did Shardul Thakur not bowl a single over despite being brought in as an Impact Player?

MI were already under pressure after SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma went on a rampage in the powerplay, smashing 92 runs in just six overs while chasing a massive target of 244. In response, Mumbai brought in Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub after the powerplay.

However, what followed left many surprised. Shardul was not used at all with the ball despite MI bowlers getting thashed all around the park. Mumbai Indians eventually suffered their sixth defeat of the season and slipped further down the points table, sitting at ninth position.

Polland has no idea why Shardul was not used

The decision quickly became a talking point, with fans and experts questioning the strategy. The confusion was even reflected in the MI camp itself. During the post-match press conference in Mumbai, batting coach Kieron Pollard admitted that he did not have clarity on why Shardul was not used.

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“About why we didn’t have Shardul bowl a single over... I will go back and ask. Then again, if he had given away 20 runs in an over, it would have been a totally different conversation,” Pollard said.

It is unlikely that captain Hardik Pandya simply forgot about the additional bowling option, particularly in a match where MI’s bowling attack was heavily dominated. This has also raised questions around MI's decision-making, especially in pressure moments.

As far as the match is concerned, MI won the toss and elected to bat first. Ryan Rickelton scored a 44-ball century to help his team post a massive total. In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target with ease, registering the four-highest chase in IPL history. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma provided an explosive start before Heinrich Klaasen took over and finished the game.