The announcement of Kieron Pollard’s retirement from the Indian Premier League shocked the entire cricket association. The former West Indies captain, who was instrumental in the success of the Mumbai Indians in the money-rich league, decided to retire from IPL as a player on Tuesday. The all-rounder will now take on the role of hitting coach for the franchise starting in the 2023 season. Pollard joined the Mumbai team in 2010 and proved to be a great asset to the franchise with his fiery all-round performances. When Mumbai skipper Rohit Sharma heard the news of his retirement, he posted a heartfelt message for Pollard.
Rohit took to Instagram and posted a photo with Pollard with the caption, “Big man, big impact and always played with heart. A true MI legend @kieron.pollard55.”
Alongside him, Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman and mentor of the Mumbai Indians, also wrote on Twitter, “At @mipaltan there is never a goodbye, Polly. Congratulations on becoming the new batting coach for the MI franchise. Your presence will have a big impact on all the guys in the dugout.”
Bee @mipaltan there’s never a goodbye, Polly.
Congratulations on becoming the new hitting coach for the MI franchise.
Your presence will greatly affect all the boys in the dugout. https://t.co/mpxWr4csrD
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2022
Earlier, Indian pacemaker Jasprit Bumrah posted a heartfelt comment on the occasion, reminiscing about his days spent with the Caribbean all-rounder.
Bumrah wrote on Instagram: “It will take some getting used to not having you on the pitch with us but I will still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congrats on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new turns.”
The news of Pollard’s retirement came just hours before the IPL franchises were set to announce their list of ‘released and retained’ players for the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Pollard was signed by Mumbai Indians in 2010 and has not played for any other franchise since then, spending 13 glittering seasons with Mumbai. In April of this year he had ended his international career.
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