Sachin’s form will be crucial for Mumbai Indians: Pollock

Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock said if poor performance was the criteria for handing out bans to Pakistani cricketers then the punishment is a "bit harsh".
The PCB, on Wednesday, invoked indefinite bans on Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan and also imposed one-year bans on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on the recommendations of the inquiry committee which probed their flop show Down Under.
The Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar, and Shahid Afridi were put under observation and imposed heavy fines.
"I don't know. If their loss in Australia is the reason for the ban then it’s a bit too harsh. Elevens players make a team and they all have to perform. I don't know what the review system is but it's not easy to comment when you don't know the truth," said a shocked Pollock, when informed about the ban.
Talking about his IPL side Mumbai Indians, Pollock said Sachin Tendulkar's show with the bat would be crucial to their fortunes in the Twenty20 tournament, beginning on Friday.
"I think Mumbai will need him to play well. Here is a guy so great so you would obviously want him to bat 20 overs and steers the ship through. If he can get some scores he can get the team to victory in some matches," said the former all-rounder.
Pollock also feels that Umpire referral system requires some fine-tuning to give better results.
"Certain things need to be adjusted. We all want right decisions to be made so we have to ensure that the technology we use can get all in perfect place.
"Tennis has implemented it and there is no discussion on that. When something new is implemented it is difficult to change people but one year down the lane if you can get everything in line, it is good technology and can help the game," he said.
Pollock said the South African team has the firepower to excel and dominate world cricket in the next two years.
"I don't watch as much cricket as I used to as I have some other focuses but it is really nice to see the guys doing well. The team has moved on in the last 10 years. They have the team to dominate in the next two years. It would be good time for South Africa in future," said the former skipper.