IPL 2019: Pollard Returns in Style, Another Caribbean Masterclass

Kieron Pollard was at his smashing best as he scored 83 off 31 against KXIP.

Stand-in-skipper Kieron Pollard made sure that he left another Caribbean footprint on IPL 2019. 

Photo: BCCI

IPL 2019 has been a good story so far for West Indies cricket. Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Alzarri Joseph have all come good this season. With cricket’s biggest tournament less than a month away the Caribbean players look all set to lit the tournament in England. On Wednesday night, a new story was written at the Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a target of 198 against Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians lost two wickets for 56. Mumbai needed a miracle to salvage the match and stand in skipper Kieron Pollard decided to lead from front as he promoted himself at no. 4. Though MI kept losing wickets in quick succession, Pollard managed to be on the pitch, and what followed, was a typical Caribbean show.

With 3 fours and 10 sixes, Pollard announced his arrival on the grandest of stage in an emphatic fashion.

A quickfire 31-ball 83 from the all-rounder guided the hosts to another mometous win. Though Pollard was dismissed in the last over, but the damage had already been done as Mumbai needed only four runs to win off the last four balls.

Post the game, the Man of the Match was seen celebrating the win along with his son, Kaiden. The 31-year old also dedicated his fiery knock to his wife on her birthday.

When asked about his decision to promote himself up the order the Trinidadian said, “I did that because I enjoy batting at Wankhede. Plan was to attack Ashwin as spin wasn’t doing great. Unfortunately it didn’t happen but it was about staying calm,”

“It was a difficult pitch to bowl on and good to bat on, so we did well with the ball after the start they got. We did pull things back in the middle overs a bit but lost the plot at the end. Again, can't be harsh on the bowlers. We finished on the right end of the result and thanks to God for that to,” said Pollard

Having lost captain Rohit due to injury, Pollard’s comeback is a blessing for Mumbai who are now 3rd on the points table with four wins in six games.

Although he played little cameos in the past games, this was his first half century this season. The team management and fans would be happy to see “Big Polly” back among the runs.