Big-hitting Kieron Pollard may have retired from international cricket, but the former West Indies and Mumbai Indians all-rounder proved he’s far from done. In a recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match, captaining the Trinbago Knight Riders, Pollard delivered a vintage performance, smashing a blistering 19-ball fifty. His unbeaten 52 guided his team to victory in a tense chase of 188, with five balls to spare, showcasing the same power-hitting brilliance that made him a fan favourite at Mumbai Indians.
The game seemed to be slipping away from Trinbago when Pollard walked in, but the seasoned campaigner turned the tide. With 28 off 13 balls already to his name, Pollard faced Matthew Forde in the penultimate over. What followed was pure carnage, as Pollard launched four towering sixes, putting the match to bed.
Forde’s over began with two dot balls, but Pollard quickly shifted gears, dispatching the medium-pacer for three consecutive sixes to finish the over. With just three runs needed for victory, Alzarri Joseph cut Akeal Hossain for a boundary, sealing the win. Pollard’s match-winning knock marked his first CPL half-century since 2021, a reminder of his unstoppable power.
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For fans of Mumbai Indians, Pollard’s explosive innings was a nostalgic flashback to his heroics in the IPL. Over his 12-year stint with MI, Pollard amassed 3412 runs in 189 matches, hitting 16 half-centuries. Some of his most memorable knocks include a 64 off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2012, an 83 off 31 against Punjab Kings in 2019, and a 66 off 27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.
Kieron Pollard is awarded @Dream11 MVP! Well done Polly 🙌🏾 #CPL24 #SLKvTKR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Dream11 pic.twitter.com/AASf9KO7mC
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 11, 2024
But his most iconic innings remains the 60 off 24 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020, where MI chased down 90 runs in just five overs. With Mumbai Indians currently struggling for form, fans couldn’t help but wonder if Pollard’s presence could have turned the tides.
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Many took to social media, urging the veteran to come out of retirement and return to the IPL, as they did last month when Pollard hammered five consecutive sixes off Rashid Khan in The Hundred. After the match, Pollard reflected on his role as a finisher, stating, “If it’s my role to finish games, that’s what I’ll do.” Although retired from the IPL, Pollard continues to inspire, now serving as Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, where his impact is still felt.
