IPL 2022: Rohit Sharma, Zaheer Khan Explain Why Kieron Pollard Was Dropped For CSK-MI

CSK vs MI: Rohit Sharma explained how Pollard made things easy by opting to sit out himself as he realised a team has to be built for the next season. 

Mumbai: Kieron Pollard has not been in good form in IPL 2022 and is one of the reasons why Mumbai Indians has failed to make an impact this season. While he is a senior member in the MI camp and a retained player as well, it is never easy to ask him to sit out. Following the win over Chennai, Rohit Sharma explained how Pollard made things easy by opting to sit out himself as he realised a team has to be built for the next season.

“He’s been a stalwart for Mumbai, he came out and said that he’s okay with that. We are keeping one eye on what are the holes to be filled out for the next year,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

Talking about Tilak Varma, he said,”We are keeping one eye (on the future). We want to win games and at the same time we try out certain players. There are options that we still want to try. He (Tilak) has been brilliant, playing for the first year, having such a calm head is never easy. I feel he’s going to be an all-format player for India pretty soon. He’s got the technique and temperament. A lot of things are looking bright for him. And there’s hunger as well.”

Bowling coach of MI Zaheer Khan also hailed Pollard’s attitude for the team. Claiming that it was not easy, Zaheer revealed how Pollard made things easy.

“Pollard has been one of the main contributors to the success of this franchise over the years, he’s been part of the processes through and through. Like I mentioned, it is the last leg of the tournament, so that’s why a few new faces and as an individual and as a member of the core group, he (Pollard) was on board, it wasn’t easy on him but he made it easy for us. He has been a great team man and even today it was nice to see his contributions from the sidelines,” Zaheer said on Pollard.

Now, Mumbai and Chennai are out of the playoffs race which has to be the biggest surprise of IPL 2022 as these are the two heavyweights of the cash-rich league.

Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings: 97 all out in 16 overs (Mahendra Singh Dhoni 36 not out; Daniel Sams 3/16). Mumbai Indians: 103/5 in 14.5 overs (Tilak Varma 34 not out; Mukesh Choudhary 3/23).