Kieron Pollard announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) as Mumbai Indians (MI) decided to release him before the deadline of November 15, 2022. He played a key role in helping MI win 5 IPL titles across 13 seasons. The hard-hitting West Indies batter announced retirement from international cricket in April this year.
He scored 3412 runs in 189 matches at a strike rate of 147.32 with 16 half-centuries to his name. Pollard took the match away from the opponent’s hands when Mumbai Indians looked in deep trouble. His performance during the 2022 IPL looked ordinary as he made 144 runs from 11 matches with an average of 14.40 and the best score of 25.
Kieron Pollard showed his power-hitting skills with a match-winning knock against Chennai Super Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi in 2021. He made 87 not out off 34 balls with 6 fours and 8 sixes helping Mumbai Indians chase down a massive target of 219.
Pollard was the backbone of Mumbai Indians’ middle-order batting. He was known for his antics during IPL history that entertained the crowd and audiences at home.
On that note, we look at the 3 times when Kieron Pollard stole the limelight in IPL history.
#1 Heated exchange with Mitchell Starc
The left-arm pace bowler from Australia, Mitchell Starc took part in IPL history a couple of times. Kieron Pollard was involved in a heated argument with the pacer on 6th May 2014 edition against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Pollard uttered few words after the Australian pacer bowled few bouncers. The West Indies all-rounder then made a gesture to Starc while he was returning to the bowling mark. Pollard moved away just when the bowler was about to deliver the bowl again. Starc lost his cool and threw the ball in Pollard’s direction in anger before the batter lost his temper and threw the bat to Starc. After that, umpires intervened. Starc and Kieron Pollard were fined for the incident.
Mumbai Indians won the match by 19 runs as Royal Challengers Bangalore could not chase 188. Kieron Pollard made 43 off 31 balls with 6 fours.
#2 Kieron Pollard protesting with a tape on his mouth
Kieron Pollard was known for his antics with the umpires. He looked frustrated if the decision did not go in his favour. The incident took place against Royal Challengers Bangalore at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on April 19, 2015.
Mumbai Indians posted 209 for 7 in 20 overs. Kieron Pollard made just 5 runs in that match. The umpires called wide delivery, but Pollard did not look happy with the decision. On the advice of the umpire, Pollard put tape on his mouth. The incident kept commentators and others laughing.
MI won the match by 18 runs as Royal Challengers Bangalore made 191 for 7. Kieron Pollard delivered 1 over giving away 9 runs.
#3 Protesting wide delivery in IPL 2019 final
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings were involved in an epic final played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 19, 2019.
The incident took place when Dwayne Bravo bowled a widish delivery to Pollard that was expected to be called a wide as Pollard shuffled a little, Nitin Menon did not call that ball a wide. The West Indies batter got frustrated with the decision as the call went against him.
Pollard threw his bat in the air and then left the pitch and walked further near the tramlines for Bravo’s next delivery. Nitin Menon and Ian Gould had a chat with the batter before the match resumed.
Mumbai Indians won the match on the last ball with 1 run win. With this victory, MI won the fourth IPL title under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.
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