27 May,2011 06:39 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard believes he can repeat his 2010 semi-final blast (33 off 13 balls) in today's qualifier against Bangalore
Kieron Pollard hasn't set the Indian Premier League (IPL) on fire this season, but is confident of steering Mumbai Indians into the final, like he did last year against the same opposition.
In last year's semi-final against Bangalore at DY Patil Stadium, Pollard struck 33 runs off just 13 balls, and followed it up with figures of 3-17. He is hoping to repeat the performance.
Pollard spoke to MiD DAY on the eve of the game here at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard plays a shot during an IPL match against
Delhi Daredevils at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 7. PIC/AFP
You must have fond memories of last year's semi-final against Bangalore...
Absolutely, it was one of my best performances in the IPL. That game the pressure was really high. I remember the game was moved at the last minute to Mumbai because of a bomb scare in Bangalore. We got a home advantage because of that. I remember we were struggling at 60 odd for four and Tiwary (Saurabh) set the platform for me to come and play my strokes.
Last year, you were used more as a finisher/big-hitter in the lower-order. But, this year, you have been batting at 4 or 5 consistently. How has your role changed since then?
I think the team management and skipper have got to know my game better. I won few games low down the order, so now the team has entrusted me with a middle-order spot. I know I haven't been amongst the runs, but I know they are just around the corner. It's also a matter
of situation.
You haven't been among a lot of runs. Worried about your form going into the game?
Honestly, I am not worried. The captain has immense faith in my ability. I have scored a few 20s, but haven't gone on to convert them to bigger scores. What matters most is what I do in the upcoming two games (Qualifier 2 and final). I can't change the past. I can only control what to do now. I want to repeat what I did last year. The morale of the team is really high.
This wicket here (in Chennai) assists the spinners a lot. Have you done something on that?
It's true that I have been getting out a lot to spinners and that has already got me to focus on that. I want to be an all-round player who shouldn't have weaknesses against a particular bowler. I have been batting a lot against spinners in the last few weeks, and am confident of tackling anyone who comes my way. I have also made some technical adjustments, but that doesn't matter because all I want to do is see ball and hit ball according to the situation.
That catch you took at Wankhede (in the Eliminator) is being hailed the catch of the IPL...
I am glad if people are saying that. I am happy to contribute to my team in whatever way possible. I have been catching well, taking wickets, so the management is happy with my showing. It's time we rally around each other and book a second consecutive berth in the final. We owe it to our fans.
For a big guy, it must be difficult to remain so fit and field the way you do...
Luckily, I have managed to do so. However, I am not surprised that I have achieved what I have. Cricket is an all-round game, and it's important for me to work hard on my fitness. Since my junior cricketing days, I have absolutely loved fielding and that hasn't changed. Jonty Rhodes is doing a fantastic job too. I think we are one of the best fielding outfits in the IPL.
