'Your unwillingness to settle for mediocrity was pleasure to work with' - Phil Simmons on Kieron Pollard's international retirement

Kieron Pollard did come up with a shocking decision a few days ago when he decided to retire from international cricket and subsequently will no longer be the leader of the West Indies side in the limited-overs setup as well. The 34-year-old played 123 ODIs and 101 T20Is for his country after making his debut in 2007 and he has managed to win a lot of games on his own in his prime.

Pollard’s major achievement was being part of the T20 World Cup-winning campaign for West Indies in 2012 and recently, he became the fourth player to hit six sixes in an over in T20 cricket. The right-hander took up the captaincy for West Indies in 2019, and he has been an influential part of West Indies’s rise in limited-overs cricket. Pollard had worked with Phil Simmons as head coach in the West Indies side for a considerable period of time including the bio bubbles and the latter came up with heartfelt words on the former’s retirement.

Although I am saddened by your decision, I totally respect it: Phil Simmons

Simmons who played the same role as batting all-rounder for years with the West Indies ODI side mentioned Pollard’s ability to keep backing the players who have the potential. He also noted Pollard’s passion to ensure players are working on their skills and knowledge. He concluded by stating his disappointment over Pollard’s retirement but respected the decision of the Trinidadian and added that he will stick with him on any challenge.

“Your ability to give players your backing and trust to deliver, your passion for pushing players to build on skills and knowledge of the game, and more. Your unwillingness to settle for mediocrity was a pleasure to work with.” Phil Simmons posted on Facebook as quoted by Windies Cricket.

“Although I am saddened by your decision I totally respect it and I will continue to back you through the next challenge,” he added.

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