Kieron Pollard is a natural leader: Mahela Jayawardene

While Kieron Pollard’s contribution to the success of Mumbai Indians this decade cannot be questioned at all, his form in recent times have left a lot to be desired. Pollard was one of their most under-performing players last season when they finished fifth. In 9 games last year, he managed to score just 133 runs at an average of just 19. Mumbai Indians, however, decided to retain their star allrounder for this season.

But Pollard started the ongoing season in the same manner too. In the first three games of the season, his scores read 21, 5 and 7 as Mumbai Indians lost two of their opening three games. But on Wednesday, the Windies star showed why they persisted with him throughout by delivering an important performance with the bat and the field. Pollard played an integral role to help Mumbai Indians thrash defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 37 runs.

He first impressed with the bat, hitting two sixes during his 7-ball 17 runs knock. Kieron Pollard added 45 runs with Hardik Pandya in the last two overs that helped Mumbai Indians race away to 170 for 5 from 125 for 5. The all-rounder then made his mark on the field by taking a splendid catch to send back Suresh Raina to reduce the Super Kings to 33 for 3. The visitors could not recover from those early setbacks and were eventually restricted to 170 for 9.

Delighted with Pollard’s performance, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene hailed the allrounder’s leadership skills and made it clear that the team wants him to take up that role. “Pollard is a natural leader. We want him to take up leadership out in the middle,” said Mahela Jayawardene during the match.

.@MahelaJay; Pollard is a natural leader. We want him to take up leadership out in the middle.
#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #MIvCSK

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 3, 2019

I have to take the initiative

Echoing Jayawardene’s sentiments, Kieron Pollard himself said that he will have to take the initiative on the field as the experienced player. “It varies (about his practice), so being the more experienced guy I have to take the initiative and try to do well whenever I come in. Whenever I get a chance, I try to make a difference and contribute to the team,” he said.

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