A true MI legend: Rohit Sharma pays tribute to Kieron Pollard after West Indies great announces IPL retirement
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma sent a heartfelt message to Kieron Pollard after the former West Indies captain announced his IPL retirement on Tuesday, November 15.
Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard forged a winning combination at MI (Courtesy of BCCI)
By India Today Web Desk: Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma paid a heartfelt tribute to Kieron Pollard after the West Indies great announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League. Pollard took to social media to announce his decision, hours ahead of the IPL 2023 retention deadline, adding that he took the call after discussions with Mumbai over his role in the side.
Rohit Sharma posted a heartwarming message to Kieron Pollard on Instagram, saying the former West Indies captain always played with a big heart.
Pollard was among the 13 players who were released by Mumbai Indians on the retention deadline day on Tuesday, November 15. The legendary T20 all-rounder was retained for Rs 6 crore ahead of the mega auction in 2022 but he failed to deliver with both bat and ball, managing 144 runs in 11 matches at an average of less than 15 and a strike rate of 107.
Pollard’s association with Mumbai Indians, however, will continue as the T20 World Cup champion will work as the 5-time champions’ batting coach in IPL 2023 while also playing for MI Emirates in UAE’s ILT20.
“Big man, big impact and always played with heart. A true MI legend,” Rohit said in his message.
Pollard said he would miss the buzz of the IPL as a player but added that he hung up his boots with a lot of pride and satisfaction. Pollard won as many as 5 IPL titles with MI and 2 Champions League T20 titles during his 12-year stay.
“I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons. It was always an aspiration to play for this fantastic team and although I will miss the buzz of the IPL you get as a player, I take comfort in knowing that I have been fortunate enough to have played with some of the best players in the word in front of our passionate fans. I have always felt and appreciated their unconditional support both on and off the field. Together, we won the Champions League in 2011 and 2013 and the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020,” Pollard said.
