MUMBAI: T20 stalwart Kieron Pollard has quit the IPL after playing for the Mumbai Indians, for whom he was a certain match-winner for many years, for a record 13 seasons. However, the former West Indies captain will continue with MI as their batting coach.
Pollard was first signed up by MI in 2010 when he was bought by the franchise for an undisclosed sum via the tie-breaker rule, and went on to become a key member of the team which picking up 5 IPL and 2 champions league trophies. He is amongst the few players who have played more than 100 IPL games.
The 35-year-old Trinidadian, who has many times won matches out of tough situations for MI, was a pale shadow of himself in the last IPL, managing to score just 144 runs in 11 games@14.40, at a poor strike rate of 107.46.
In a release by MI, Pollard, said, "It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I will keep playing for a few more years, but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI then I cannot see myself playing against MI either. Once an MI always an MI. I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons. Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita and Akash Ambani for their tremendous love, support and respect I have always felt and for the confidence they placed in me. I recall our first encounter when they welcomed me with open arms saying, "We are family". Those were not just mere words, but demonstrated by their every action throughout my time with Mumbai Indians."
The release quoted MI team owner Nita Ambani as saying: "For me, Pollard has exemplified what Mumbai Indians stand for – Khelenge Dil Khol Ke! Right from Season 3, we have shared joy, sweat, and tears – those powerful emotions that forge lifelong bonds on and off the field. He has played an important role in the success of MI and been a part of the winning side for both our Champions League trophies and all 5 IPL wins. We will miss seeing his magic on the field for MI, but I’m delighted that he will continue to play for MI Emirates, and also mentor young players as the batting coach for MI. May his new journey with MI and MI Emirates bring him even greater glory, triumph, and fulfilment. I wish him all the very best!"
Her son Akash Ambani, who now runs the franchise, said: "Polly leaves behind a huge legacy as a player with Mumbai Indians. Fans roared every time he took to the field. A valued member of the MI family and a great friend, he played the beautiful game of cricket with utmost commitment and passion all through his IPL career with us. Pleased to have Polly continue to be a part of the MI Family as a batting coach for Mumbai Indians and as player with MI Emirates. We believe, Polly will be as dynamic and impactful as a coach, just like the way he was, when he took to the field for us. His insights will be invaluable to the team, though the Mumbai Indians, Wankhede Stadium and the Paltan will miss him play on the field.
The five-time IPL champions crashed out in the league stage for the second consecutive time earlier this year.
