We can only get better from here: Pollard

“We were totally outplayed by Rajasthan Royals. We can only get better from here. We didn’t play well. The game against Kolkata (Knight Riders) would be crucial for us,” said Pollard.

Mumbai Indians, who suffered third straight defeat yesterday, will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their concluding league game tomorrow at the Eden Gardens and Pollard said it is an important match for his team to book a berth in the play-offs.

“We have not been scoring as many runs as we want to. We have lost three games in a row. The game against Kolkata is very important for us,” the West Indian said.

Pollard praised the blistering knock of 89 not out by Shane Watson, who smashed six sixes and nine fours to help the Royals overhaul Mumbai’s target of 134 in only 13.1 overs.

“Watto was fantastic today. (Lasith) Malinga had the better of him in the first two balls but he stuck to his guns.

He’s a world class player. He has done it for Australia, he has done it here. He batted well,” the Trinidadian said.

Pollard also admitted that his team did not assess the wicket well.

“We did not assess it well. Our batsmen did not apply themselves, did not score enough runs,” he said.

Asked if the team missed another spinner on the spinning track, Pollard said, “You can say so. When you are batting second they could have come handy. But it could have gone either way. We did not bat well. They played well.”

Pollard said that not having a regular opener to partner skipper Sachin Tendulkar was also hurting the team.

“We have got a day before the next match. Let’s hope we get the right combination,” he added.