Abu Dhabi: Notwithstanding the fact that he has achieved a unique milestone, Kieron Pollard is happy that Mumbai Indians are back to their winning ways in the IPL. He is confident that in spite of the poor form of some players, Mumbai Indians will find a way to the play-offs. Kieron Pollard has also said that he is happy that he has been able to contribute in the victory.
Pollard became Tuesday the first T20 cricketer to score more than 10,000 runs and capture 300 wickets in the game of Punjab Kings. He had reached the 10,000-run milestone a few months back. However, when he picked up KL Rahul caught by Jasprit Bumrah, he got his 300th wicket. It made him the only cricketer to achieve such a feat.
Pollard, the man that he is, however, downplayed the achievement. “As a professional you have to always contribute to the team cause,” the genial Pollard has been quoted as saying in a section of the media. “I had a job to do and I am happy that I did it. If I continue to perform, records will automatically happen. For me the most important thing is helping out the team,” the genial West Indian added.
Pollard also said he has faith in the ability of his teammates and said that they will make it to the play-offs. “We don’t actually plan for things to be like this, after all we are five-time champions of the IPL. What we have is belief in one another and we believe we can get out of any situation,” Pollard said.
Mumbai Indians are placed fifth with 10 points from 11 matches so far. “We have put ourselves in this situation and the players and the management are sticking together. It is a matter of giving all the guys confidence and finding the best solutions. These are guys who have done it for us time and time again,” Pollard pointed out.
Pollard did not appreciate the criticism from outside. “It’s difficult when you have a lot of other people on the outside as well speaking about it. These people speak and they don’t understand what people go through as cricketers. So for us, it is about backing individuals and trying to give them the confidence to do well because they are young, talented individuals,” Pollard asserted.
The West Indian said their focus is on present when asked how the pitches are likely to behave during the T20 World Cup. The event will begin immediately after the conclusion of the IPL.
“To be honest, the World Cup is irrelevant at this point of time. We are playing the IPL. When you are in a tournament as an individual, you look to think about the present and not look too far ahead,” informed Pollard.
“Everyone one is going on about the pitches, but you cannot get what you want all the time. As a professional athlete, you need to adapt. For me, personally it is about staying in the present and dealing with what is in front of us as a team,” Pollard, who won the man of the match award (2/8 and 15 not out in 7 balls), added.