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Kieron Pollard appointed as Mumbai Indians batting coach, after announcing retirement from IPL

Kieron Pollard, the Mumbai Indians’ and Indian Premier Tournament’s renowned player, announced his retirement from the  T20 league on Twitter on Tuesday.

Pollard joined MI in 2010 and spent 13 years with the Mumbai-based franchise. During his time with the Mumbai Indians, he won five IPL and two Champions League titles. Pollard will continue to assist MI as batting coach.

“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I will keep playing for a few more years, but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition,” Pollard stated.

In addition, he will play for the franchise’s MI Emirates squad in the first United Arab Emirates International T20 League.

The adventure of the former West Indies captain with MI began in 2010. He has subsequently played in 189 matches for them, scoring 3,412 runs and is presently the team’s most-capped player. He also claimed 69 wickets.

Pollard won the Champions League T20 with MI in 2011 and 2013, as well as the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Former and present Indian national team players, as well as MI luminaries Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Lasith Malinga, and franchise owner Nita Ambani, all paid homage to the game-changing talent.

“If I’m no longer to play for Mumbai Indians then I cannot see myself playing against MI either,” Pollard said. “Once an MI always an MI,” he added.

MI’s Ambani, who is currently in the UAE ahead of the T20 League, which begins in January, praised Pollard’s contributions to the team over the years.

She said, “For me, Pollard has exemplified what Mumbai Indians stand for – Khelenge Dil Khol Ke! Right from season three, we have shared joy, sweat, and tears – those powerful emotions that forge lifelong bonds on and off the field. He has played an important role in the success of MI and been a part of the winning side for both our Champions League trophies and all five IPL wins. We will miss seeing his magic on the field for MI but I’m delighted that he will continue to play for MI Emirates, and also mentor young players as the batting coach for MI. May his new journey with MI and MI Emirates bring him even greater glory, triumph, and fulfilment. I wish him all the very best.”

Her son Akash Ambani stated: “Polly leaves behind a huge legacy as a player with Mumbai Indians. Fans roared every time he took to the field. A valued member of the MI family and a great friend, he played the beautiful game of cricket with utmost commitment and passion all through his IPL career with us. Pleased to have Polly continue to be a part of the MI Family as a batting coach for Mumbai Indians and as player with MI Emirates. We believe, Polly will be as dynamic and impactful as a coach, just like the way he was, when he took to the field for us. His insights will be invaluable to the team, though the Mumbai Indians, Wankhede Stadium and the Paltan will miss him play on the field.”

Tendulkar, who is part of MI management and played with Pollard in his early years with the organisation, praised Pollard’s achievements and wished him luck as the new batting coach.

Tendulkar said on Twitter, “At @mipaltan, there is never a farewell, Polly. Congratulations on being named the new hitting coach for the Michigan team. Your presence will have a significant impact on all of the youngsters in the dugout.”

The five-time IPL champions were eliminated from the league stage for the second time in a row earlier this year.

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Farzeen K

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