Kieron Pollard retires from IPL; stays with Mumbai Indians as batting coach

Kieron Pollard retires from IPL; stays with Mumbai Indians as batting coach

Kieron Pollard

Mumbai Indians are known for long bonds with players, and after 13 years, they have released one of their key players Kieron Pollard ahead of the mini-auction for IPL 2023. Pollard shared an emotional message on his social media platforms to announce his retirement from IPL, stating that as he won’t be playing for MI in the future, he can’t play against MI. 

“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with Mumbai Indians I have decided to call time on my IPL career. I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI the I cannote see myself playing against MI either,” Pollard wrote in the long message on his Twitter.

MI secured his services by a tie-breaker in 2010. His time with MI is not ending, as he will be joining the Blue and Gold franchise as a batting coach. He will also be playing for MI Emirates in the ILT20 in the UAE. Pollard has been an integral part of the most successful franchise and lifted the trophy five times.

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Kieron Pollard’s records with Mumbai Indians

Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard is not the only player who has represented only one franchise throughout his IPL career. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2008), Jasprit Bumrah (MI from 2013), and Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011) have also represented only one franchise.

The all-rounder from Trinidad & Tobago was disappointed when he went unsold in the 2009 auction. He caught the attention of the IPL franchises after his explosive batting in the 2009 Champions League T20.

In 2010, four franchises- Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders- had bid for him. He also became the first player of the two players (another was Shane Bond) to get purchased via a silent tie-breaker rule. MI secured him by listing the highest price on a blank check but the sum was never disclosed.

He is also the second player with 3000-plus runs and 50-plus wickets (another player was Shane Watson) in the IPL. He has won 14 Player of the Match awards, also in 2013, when MI beat CSK to crowned the champions for the first time.

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