Mumbai Indians need Pollard to fire

Kieron Pollard has taken a few stunning catches that have made everyone sit up and take notice in the Indian Premier League (IPL) fourth season

Mumbai Indians need Pollard to fire

Kieron Pollard has taken a few stunning catches that have made everyone sit up and take notice in the Indian Premier League (IPL) fourth season. But the West Indian, best known for his big-hitting, has yet to deliver with the willow.

Mumbai Indians have played seven matches, but Pollard's bat is yet to make a noise. Today's clash against Kings XI Punjab at Wankhede Stadium will be his eighth match, which leaves Mumbai with just five matches before the tournament reaches the knockout stage.

Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard holds on to a hot chance at the
Wankhede Stadium yesterday. PIC/SURESH KK

He has looked in great touch in the nets, but hasn't been able to replicate it in a match. The big question in everyone's mind is when will Pollard fire?

Agreed that the West Indian dasher has not got many opportunities with the bat; he has played only four innings out of seven matches and scored four runs in 18 balls that he has faced so far. A point to note is: he opened his account in the last match against Rajasthan Royals.

The match in Jaipur was an ideal launch pad for Pollard, who was one of the players retained by the Mumbai, to justify his top billing. However, he failed to come good when it mattered and the team slumped to its lowest total - in the IPL - 94 runs.

Shaun Pollock, the team's mentor-cum-bowling coach, said Pollard was just a few big hits away from getting his momentum.

"He didn't get much opportunity because our top four guys have been getting runs. It is not a great concern for us," Pollock said yesterday.

"It's just a matter of time before he gets going. And once he gets going, he will be very destructive.

"He is working hard and he is just two or three shots away or hitting one or two boundaries from being at his best."

The West Indian all-rounder has also not been impressive with the ball. Neither has he been able to contain the run-scoring nor take wickets at regular intervals. Out of 19 overs he has bowled, Pollard has taken four wickets and given away 165 runs at an economy rate of 8.68.

Nevertheless, he has been outstanding in the fielding department. His safe pair of hands has more than once tilted the fortunes in Mumbai Indians' favour.

"He is brilliant in the field and a decent bowling option as well. I am sure he will be at his best soon. It's a long way to go in the tournament still," Pollock said.