Once An MI Always An MI; Emotional Kieron Pollard Announces Retirement From IPL

Once An MI Always An MI; Emotional Kieron Pollard Announces Retirement From IPL (Image Source: Google)

Mumbai Indians' flamboyant all-rounder Kieron Pollard has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League as a player. Pollard announced his exit from IPL through a very emotional tweet.

Pollard in the tweet said "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 then I cannot see myself playing against MI either". 'Once an MI always an MI'.

The marvelous all-rounder has appeared in 189 matches where he scored 3412 runs at a fiery strike rate of 147.62 and went unbeaten on 52 occasions. However, he also has great stats in bowling as well where he scalped 69 wickets for Mumbai Indians in 107 innings.

The Caribbean player will now take the responsibility of Mumbai Indians' batting coach. "This is not an emotional goodbye to MI however as I have agreed to take up the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as play with MI Emirates. This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting and allows me to transition myself too from playing to coaching".

Kieron Pollard took Mumbai Indians to the heights with his performance for 13 years and also played an important role in making a successful team in the IPL."I am immensely proud, honored, and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons. 

In the note, he shared his proud moment with MI, "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 world 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.

He presented gratitude towards the Coaches, Managers, and other backroom support staff of the Mumbai Indians camp. He also talked about the team's success formula over the years without continuing hard work, dedication, and commitment to creating the best environment. 

Pollard added "I look forward to emulating their successful approach. In particular, I would like to pay special tribute to my good friend Robin Singh for his sound advice and guidance over the years and whose very shoes I now fill".

The star all-rounder thanked the team owner as well, "Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita, and Akash Ambani for the tremendous love, support, and respect I have always felt and for the confidence, they placed in me. I recall our first encounter when they welcomed me with open arms saying, "We are family". Those were not just mere words, but demonstrated by their every action throughout my time with Mumbai Indians".

In the end, he concluded with a special thanks to his friends, family, his wife Jenna, and his three beautiful children for all the love, support, and many sacrifices they have made over the years. 

Now Pollard will be seen as the batting coach of the Mumbai Indians side right from the 2023 IPL season.