Dwayne Bravo reveals how he convinced Mumbai Indians to buy Kieron Pollard ahead of IPL 2010

Due to their impressive winning record since the inception of the Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians are regarded as one of the most successful franchises. The Rohit Sharma-led franchise has four IPL trophies and two Champions League title under its belt and their winning-record is unmatchable. Moreover, the franchise has produced many match-winning players over the past few years.

One of the players who has flourished while donning the MI jersey is– West Indies stalwart Kieron Pollard. The all-rounder has been a vital part of the side since Mumbai Indians snapped him up at the 2010 IPL auction. However, a very few fans know that Pollard’s fellow teammate Dwayne Bravo was the reason behind Mumbai buying the all-rounder. In fact, Bravo almost forced them to get Pollard and played a crucial role in Pollard’s breakthrough in the Indian Premier League.

In a chat with Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz, Bravo revealed that when Mumbai Indians needed a replacement for him, he suggested them Pollard’s name. However, Mumbai Indians couldn’t get hold of Pollard and they signed Dwayne Smith as Bravo’s replacement.

Kieron Pollard has been an indispensable part of Mumbai Indians

But in the following year, when it was the Champions League in Hyderabad, Bravo suggested Pollard’s name yet again due to his performances for Trinidad & Tobago. Pollard smashed 146 runs in five innings for Trinidad & Tobago at a blistering strike rate of 197.29. Bravo suggested the franchise to sign up Pollard at the contract which Pollard got at that time was of USD 200,000.

Bravo revealed that he immediately called Pollard in the lobby after Mumbai Indians were interested in signing him up. After a 19-year-old Pollard saw the contract worth USD 200,000 he was left stunned, according to Bravo.

Pollard immediately made his presence known in his debut season for the franchise as he scored 273 runs in 14 matches along with picking up 15 wickets. Due to an impressive all-round performance, Pollard eventually became an integral part of Mumbai Indians’ squad. Bravo also heaped praise on the explosive all-rounder and said that one cannot imagine Mumbai Indians side without Pollard in it.

Pollard is considered as one of the most lethal all-rounders in the league and his stats showcase his ability on the field. While playing 148 matches in the IPL, Pollard has amassed 2755 runs including 14 half-centuries. The right-hander also has 56 wickets under his belt including a four-wicket haul.