Kieron Pollard announces retirement from IPL; appointed batting coach for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians player Kieron Pollard on Tuesday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). His announcement came just hours before the 2023 retention deadline. Pollard, who has made 3412 IPL runs in 189 matches, said that it hasn't been the easiest decision to make as he will keep playing for a few more years. "...but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition," he said. 

Pollard said that if he does not play for Mumbai Indians (MI) then he cannot see himself playing against MI either. "Once an MI always an MI," he said. 

Pollard, who made his MI debut back in 2010, has now been appointed as batting coach for Mumbai Indians. He will also play the inaugural International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates for MI.

Pollard said that the next chapter of his career will allow him to transit him from playing to coaching. "I am immensely proud, honoured, and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons," he said. 

Former Mumbai Indians skipper Tendulkar congratulated Pollard for his contribution to the Mumbai-based franchise. His tweet read, “At @mipaltan there is never a goodbye, Polly. Congratulations on becoming the new batting coach for the MI franchise. Your presence will be a big influence for all the boys in the dugout."

Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga also took to social media to appreciate Pollard and wished him well in his future endeavours. "Happy Retirement Polly! I really enjoyed playing alongside you over the years big man. All the best for the next phase of your cricket journey. @mipaltan’s batting will surely go from strength to strength under your guidance," Harbhajan Singh wrote.

IPL teams are all set to release the list of the players they intend to retain for the upcoming edition of the T20 league.

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