IPL 2018: Kieron Pollard was not happy after being axed from the playing XI

After CSK’s suspension for two years, Mumbai Indians grabbed the opportunity to become the most successful side of the Indian Premier League. The Blues have won three titles while CSK and KKR have won two each. Rohit Sharma and co are known for starting the tournament poorly and then playing the catch-up game very well late in the tournament. IPL 11 has been no different for them. The team lost matches after matches before finally rediscovering the winning formula.

Kieron Pollard, the big West Indian has been one of the impact players for Mumbai Indians over the past few years. His ability to stand and deliver at impressive strike rates made him a key player in the side. However, the big man found it hard to get going in the current season. Pollard was looking more like a liability to the side as he did not bowl and was not scoring runs with the bat. The management gave him an extended run but eventually, Pollard was dropped.

Peaking at the right time

Sometimes, being axed from the team does more good than harm. Players get back the hunger to do well for the side. Pollard made his way back into the playing XI against Kings XI Punjab in a crucial encounter and did his job quite comprehensively. The big man played a crucial inning in the middle to ensure that Mumbai posted a good target on board. Rohit Sharma says that Pollard was not happy after he was left out from the team.

“Pollard has always been a match winner for us. Leaving him out was always a tough decision. We thought if JP Duminy is not getting opportunities down the order and that’s why we brought him back. He was very upset when he was left out and I was looking for that one opportunity to bring him back. He always stands up in the pressure situations.” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

Mumbai Indians defeated the Kings XI Punjab by three runs to keep their playoff hopes alive. Opener Suryakumar Yadav scored a 15 ball 27 and provided a decent start to his team. Skipper Rohit once again failed to push for the double digits but Krunal Pandya made a vital 23-ball 32. Pollard ended his poor patch of form with a blistering 23-ball 50.

For the Kings XI, Andrew Tye picked up a four-for yet again and KL Rahul played a fine knock of 94 but it was not enough to get their team over the line. This defeat has put Kings XI Punjab on the brink of elimination as even a win does not guarantee them a spot in the final four.

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