Kieron Pollard Retires From IPL 2023: If we have ever seen Kieron Pollard in IPL, we can only imagine him in MI blue jersey. For that, he himself can imagine only wearing Mumbai Indian colors only. In the IPL, one of the longest partnerships between a franchise and a player has come to an end.
After a 13-year playing career that started in 2010. The Mumbai Indians recruited Kieron Pollard for an unknown price after a tie-breaker broke the tie between four clubs. The five-time winners has finally decided to dismiss Pollard.
Kieron Pollard Retires From Indian Premier League
In a statement released by Mumbai Indians that shares the player’s views on his decision says. “Once a MI, always a MI.” He did, however, say that his affiliation with the team will continue. He assumes the position as Mumbai’s batting coach and has said he would represent MI Emirates in the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.
Pollard is one of a select group of athletes who have played their whole IPL careers with just one team. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2008), Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011). Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians from 2013), and Lasith Malinga are the other players with at least 100 matches under their belts.
Kieron Pollard in Indian Premier League
Only Pollard and former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson have more than 3,000 runs and 50 or more wickets in the IPL. Pollard received the player-of-the-match award 14 times. He was in 2013 final when Mumbai defeated Super Kings to win the first of their five IPL championships.
His 223 sixes were the fifth-most by any player in the history of the event. Midway through Mumbai’s innings, when they were 52 for 4, Pollard entered Eden Gardens. Despite this, he remained resolute and blasted an unbeaten 32-ball 60, which stands as one of the finest batting displays in IPL history.
Kieron Pollard says Somber Good Bye to Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indian owners Akash Ambani shared his views on Kieron Pollards’ retirement. He 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 playing on the field.”