Mumbai Indians has received a big boost ahead of the first game of IPL 2021 on Friday. According to ANI, Kieron Pollard has finished his quarantine. The 32-year-old all-rounder will be joining first-team training in Chennai.
Mumbai Indians (MI) will be beginning the title defence against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 9 in Chennai. MI will be looking to lay down the marker in the first game by delivering a strong performance against RCB.
Kieron Pollard is going to play a big role in achieving this feat. He has been enjoying good form in T-20 cricket during the past 12-18 months. Pollard has been leading West Indies in white-ball cricket. He recently became the third international player to hit sixes in an over in a T-20 international game. Pollard achieved this feat against Sri Lanka in March.
The experienced all-rounder is a leader and power hitter for Mumbai Indians. His playing style helps Mumbai to have great depth in the batting and bowling department. Pollard’s experience in T-20 cricket and his long association with the team make him an integral member of the side.Â
It is noticeably clear that Pollard is central to MI’s plans. The team management and the owners have immense faith in his ability to deliver top-notch performances in IPL. Even when he went through the poor run, MI allowed him to play himself back into form.
Along with contributing with bat and ball, Pollard is also an exceptional fielder in the deep, and nothing can go past him that easily. With his fielding, he can save crucial runs and pull off amazing catches.
Opening slot will be a conundrum for Mumbai in the first game
With Quinton De Kock in quarantine, Mumbai Indians will have to shuffle the batting unit for the game against RCB. Either Chris Lynn gets the opportunity to play or Ishan Kishan will be promoted to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. Kishan had recently opened for India during the T-20 series against England. It will be intriguing to see which MI will adapt for this single game.