Mumbai Indians veteran batsman Kieron Pollard feels it is difficult to adjust to the challenging wicket of Chennai. Pollard, who is known for his power-hitting, struggled to get going in the initial phase of his innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad talisman spinner Rashid Khan at the Chepauk Stadium on Saturday.
Pollard was 3 off 8 balls at one stage but he was able to change the gears at the fag end of the innings to take MI to a fighting score of 150 runs. The West Indies white-ball captain first hit Mujeeb Ur Rahman for a massive six of 105 meters, which is the longest maximum thus far in the tournament. In fact, at one stage it looked like Mumbai Indians will even fail to go past 140 but Pollard was able to add the finishing touches.
The pugnacious batsman scored two sixes on the final two balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar to help his team reach 150. In fact, Pollard also had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Vijay Shankar.
“We have to find a way, and again in the back end, getting those extra runs helped us. It’s very difficult to adjust on this pitch when you only have a couple of balls, but that’s what we train for. You have to decide your strong areas (on such pitches) and see what you can do. We have to find ways. It’s good when you scrap the victories; it gives you confidence,” said Kieron Pollard after winning the Player of the Match award.
Pollard added that the batting order is decided according to the match situation and all the batsmen know their role.
“The situation of the game (dictates the batting order). We always have to be padded up. There’s no secret.”
Furthermore, Pollard also bowled two crucial overs for Mumbai Indians and conceded only 10 runs. The all-rounder stated that he is happy to do the job for Mumbai Indians with the ball.
Pollard, who is playing his 12th season for MI, has always done a fine job for the franchise and has many times provided the last flourish. The all-rounder will aim to continue the good show for the five-time champions. MI will play their next match against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 20th April.
