Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard: The Ultimate T20 Powerhouse

Introduction

Kieron Pollard is a name synonymous with power-hitting in limited-overs cricket. Born on May 12, 1987, in Trinidad and Tobago, Pollard made his mark as a batting all-rounder, known for his aggressive batting, effective medium-pace bowling, and electric fielding. Over the years, he has established himself as a T20 specialist, excelling in franchise cricket worldwide while also representing West Indies in international cricket. Pollard’s impact on T20 cricket is immense. He was one of the most sought-after players in leagues like the IPL, CPL, PSL, and BPL. His ability to hit sixes at will, finish games under pressure, and contribute with the ball made him one of the most valuable T20 players. Apart from his playing career, Pollard has also transitioned into coaching roles, mentoring young cricketers and guiding teams in various T20 leagues.

Quick Facts About Kieron Pollard

Full Name Kieron Adrian Pollard Born May 12, 1987 Birthplace Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago Nickname Polly Batting Style Right-handed Bowling Style Right-arm medium Role Batting all-rounder International Career 2007–2022 (West Indies) ODI Debut April 10, 2007, vs South Africa T20I Debut June 20, 2008, vs Australia Last ODI February 6, 2022, vs India Last T20I February 20, 2022, vs India ODI Shirt No. 55 T20I Shirt No. 55

International Career of Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard was one of the most explosive players to represent West Indies. Although he never played Test cricket, his contributions to ODI and T20I cricket were immense.

ODI Career

Pollard made his ODI debut in 2007 against South Africa. He played 123 ODIs, scoring 2,706 runs at an average of 26.01. He also hit three centuries and 13 fifties in his ODI career. Pollard was particularly known for his finishing abilities, helping West Indies chase down big targets with his power-hitting. With the ball, he was a handy right-arm medium pacer, picking up 55 wickets. His best bowling figures were 3/27, showing that he could contribute with both bat and ball.

T20I Career

Pollard’s T20I career was even more impactful. He played 101 T20 internationals, scoring 1,569 runs at an average of 25.30. His aggressive style of batting made him a dangerous player in the shortest format. While he never scored a T20I century, he made six half-centuries, with his highest score being 75 not out*. One of Pollard’s biggest achievements came in March 2021, when he hit six sixes in an over against Sri Lanka, becoming only the third player in international cricket to achieve this milestone after Yuvraj Singh and Herschelle Gibbs. As a bowler, he took 42 wickets in T20Is, with a best bowling figure of 4/25.

Leadership Role

Pollard was appointed captain of the West Indies limited-overs team in 2019. Under his leadership, the team showed promise in white-ball cricket. He led the team in 17 ODIs, winning 11 of them, and also captained in 17 T20Is, winning 7. His aggressive approach and strategic mindset made him a strong leader. However, Pollard retired from international cricket in April 2022, bringing an end to a career that made him one of the most entertaining players of his generation.

Career Statistics of Kieron Pollard

Format Matches Runs Batting Avg Wickets Bowling Avg Best Bowling 100s/50s ODI 123 2,706 26.01 55 39.29 3/27 3/13 T20I 101 1,569 25.30 42 28.28 4/25 0/6 First-Class 27 1,584 37.71 14 31.14 5/36 4/7 List A 167 3,642 26.58 96 28.64 5/17 3/19

Franchise Cricket: The T20 Superstar

Kieron Pollard’s biggest success came in T20 franchise cricket. His ability to destroy bowling attacks with his explosive batting and contribute with the ball made him a sought-after player. Teams Played For Years Team 2006–2021 Trinidad and Tobago 2009–2011 South Australia 2010–2022 Mumbai Indians (IPL) 2010–2011 Somerset 2012–2013 Dhaka Gladiators (BPL) 2013–2017 Barbados Tridents (CPL) 2017–2019 Dhaka Dynamites (BPL) 2019–2020 Peshawar Zalmi (PSL) 2018; 2023 Multan Sultans (PSL) 2019–Present Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL) 2021 Welsh Fire (The Hundred) 2022 London Spirit (The Hundred) 2024 Southern Brave (The Hundred)

IPL Success with Mumbai Indians

Pollard was a key player for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL. He played for MI from 2010 to 2022, helping them win five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). He was known for winning matches single-handedly with his brutal hitting. In 2022, after playing 13 seasons for Mumbai Indians, Pollard announced his retirement from IPL and took up the role of batting coach for MI.

Memorable Moments in Kieron Pollard’s Career

1. Six Sixes in an Over (2021) In a T20I match against Sri Lanka, Pollard hit six consecutive sixes in one over, joining an elite group of players. 2. Winning the 2012 T20 World Cup Pollard was a key player in West Indies’ T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2012. 3. Match-Winning Knock in IPL 2019 Final Pollard’s 41 off 25 balls in the IPL 2019 final* helped MI clinch the title. 4. Leading Trinbago Knight Riders to an Unbeaten CPL Win Under Pollard’s captaincy, Trinbago Knight Riders won the CPL 2020 title without losing a single match.

Coaching Career

After retiring from IPL, Pollard became: • Batting Coach of Mumbai Indians (IPL) • Assistant Coach of England for T20 World Cup 2024 His experience makes him a valuable mentor for young players.

Legacy of Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard is one of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time. His aggressive batting, smart bowling, and leadership skills made him a legend in franchise cricket. He may have retired from international cricket, but his impact on the game will be remembered forever.