On Thursday, the other shoe eventually dropped for Kieron Pollard as the Mumbai Indians left him out of the playing XI against his favourite opponents, Chennai Super Kings(CSK). Unluckily for Pollard, the snub came on his 35th birthday.
The all-rounder was in unhappy form in the first 11 games of the season as he secured 144 runs at an average of 14.40 and a strike rate of 107.46.
Pollard could win matches for his team whenever he has come out to bat – something he did actually well past year at a strike rate of almost 150. Although, things have not gone Pollard’s way in TATA IPL 2022.
At the toss, captain Rohit Sharma stated he was keeping “an eye on the future” as the reason behind Pollard’s omission from the team. He said:
“A couple of changes. We are keeping an eye on the future as well. We’ve left out Polly…”
The West Indian just announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Failing to play after being one of the team’s retentions, that too at the age of 35, might mean that Kieron Pollard is in his last days in Mumbai colours.
the last time when Kieron Pollard faced CSK on his birthday.. pic.twitter.com/Sy3igD0a9t
— rea (@reaadubey) May 11, 2022
Pollard is the most capped performer for the franchise and their 2nd-highest runner after Rohit Sharma. Mumbai might bring him into the fold in a consultancy role for the upcoming seasons if he doesn’t return to the field as a performer.
Who has changed Kieron Pollard in Mumbai Indians’ playing XI?
Good luck for your #MI debut, Tristan Stubbs! 💙#OneFamily #DilKholKe #MumbaiIndians #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/FehElxL8RL
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 12, 2022
Young South African Right hand Battasman Tristian Stubbs has been included in the West Indians’ place for the match against CSK. A right-handed wicketkeeper batter, Stubbs made a name for himself in South Africa’s national T20s and was also called up to the Proteas ‘Aside.
Mumbai just now signed him as a replacement for injured fast bowler Tymal Mills.
Here’s a look at Stubbs’ stats:
T20: Matches: 17, 506 runs, Average: 38.92
First-Class: Matches: 8, 275 runs, Average: 27.50
Also read- “I am motivated by Ajantha Mendis” – CSK spinner Maheesh Theekshana