Former West Indies cricketer and batting coach of Mumbai Indians Kieron Pollard Expressed his happiness at being able to remain at the successful franchise, a team with which he has become very familiar.
Making his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2010, Pollard has been one of the finest players of the franchise. In a 12-year playing career for the five-time champions, Pollard has scored over 3,500 runs and taken 70 wickets for the franchise. He is one of MI's greatest match-winners, having saved the team in difficult situations on many occasions. He was reliable in all three departments of the game and was one of the most bankable players for the franchise.
Pollard described Mumbai as his “home away from home”, stating his special feelings for the team.
“MI is a home away from home. I'm very comfortable with the familiar faces in the camp. Words can't describe what this team means to me. MI and my connection is a match made in heaven and this team has a very special place in my heart and it will for a long time,” Pollard told PTI via a video uploaded by the franchise.
Pollard, who is now part of MI's backroom staff as batting coach, talked about the preparations for the 2026 season as Mumbai Indians look to break a six-year trophy drought and clinch their sixth crown. Pollard wanted the team to shed the narrative of being “slow starters” and carry the momentum from the start.
“After last season it was a conscious effort to give it our all, and win it. We're off to a relatively slow start, but that's not based on our choice. Whatever it is… we tried to change the narrative, play a few more practice games and focus the energy in the right direction. We just had a quick chat before we went out to chase the goal [against Kolkata]…Saying that it was a very good pitch and the bowlers did well in containing the opposition. Let's continue the right process and I don't think we'll win the game.”
Mumbai Indians won their first match of the IPL season for the first time since 2012 when they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets while chasing a mammoth target of 221 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Pollard said that there was relief in breaking the problem, but it was not as easy as the batsmen made it look.
He concluded, “It's a sign of relief that after so many years we won that first match. In fact, it was a great effort by everyone to break the ice of that first game, it was fun. It looked easy, but it was not so easy when you play against a world-class opponent.”
Pollard played his last game for Mumbai Indians in 2022 and was not retained ahead of the 2023 season. He announced his retirement from the league and was subsequently named batting coach, a role he has continued in since. He has also been appointed the head coach of the team's sister franchise MI London, which plays in the England Hundred.
Mumbai Indians are set to take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 04 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
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