One of the biggest associations in the Indian T20 League history, Kieron Pollard and the Mumbai team, has seen the end of the day. The star West Indies player has announced his retirement from the cash-rich league, stating that he won’t be able to play for any other team.
Pollard, who wore the blue and gold jersey for 13 years, left a lasting impression on Mumbai fans. In his long message to the fans, Pollard revealed that he will take over as the team’s batting coach for the upcoming season.
“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with Mumbai Indians I have decided to call time on my IPL career. 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’,” he wrote.
“This is not an emotional goodbye to MI however as I have agreed to take up the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as play with MI Emirates. This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting and allows me to transition myself too from playing to coaching,” he added.
Here is Pollard’s statement
? #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/4mDVKT3eu6
— Kieron Pollard (@KieronPollard55) November 15, 2022
Pollard gave his all for the team, from memorable performances against arch-rivals Chennai to winning the finals. In addition, his tactical thinking and massive on-field presence always released the pressure off captain Rohit Sharma. He was the team’s most reliable batter, as evident from his excellent records, and he played a massive role in winning each of the five titles for Mumbai.
In the meantime, fans were left heartbroken by this announcement. Not just Mumbai fans, but all cricket fans started pouring messages for the ‘Big Man’. It will be very difficult for the fans not to see him play for the most successful team in the Indian T20 League.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Kieron Pollard’s retirement
Your magic will be missed in blue and gold #OneFamily pic.twitter.com/au6AGBBZhr
— Prashant (@prashaant_007) November 15, 2022
Best of luck. You will be missed be MI franchisee sure. You had achieved lots in IPL career for Your franchisee. One of great all-rounder I have ever seen. Lots of love ??
— Rehan (@RRehuu_) November 15, 2022
2019 final too
But 2013 final was something else.
The best clutch player for MI?— Harsh (@imharshn) November 15, 2022
Will miss u ?? pic.twitter.com/y1rD5CsLT7
— ???????…. (@samaira__kohli) November 15, 2022
Kieron Pollard ?
2nd Innings Loading….. KP ? pic.twitter.com/nHMaLkyIyJ
— SR Cricket Fantasy (@CricketFantasyS) November 15, 2022
This paragraph is enough man ??
We gonna miss you Polly Love You Forever no one i repeat no one can replace you in @mipaltan Jersey
Thank you for all the Iconic Memories with Blue and Gold ??#ThankYouPolly ? pic.twitter.com/nrI5Ii1bVx— Hemanth Shaiva (@HemanthShaiva) November 15, 2022
Thank you Polly ??? pic.twitter.com/h2JBpJnpZ7
— Aditya45 (@RohitianAditya) November 15, 2022
Streets never forget you Polly @KieronPollard55 ??? pic.twitter.com/nPAt4Iithv
— ??? ????? ????? (@msaiikiranreddy) November 15, 2022
Good luck. Hell of a career for MI.
— Mohammad Kaab Baig (@KaabBaig) November 15, 2022
Batting coach for @mipaltan , Pollard normal had Plan B & Plan C expecting Plan A don't works . Can we see pollard style work in Exciting mi batting
— Scorpion (@hawkraw104) November 15, 2022
