‘I try to learn by watching Tendulkar'

After sitting in the dugout in the initial phase, Kieron Pollard was happy to strike when the opportunity presented itself at the Wankhede Stadium.

“I enjoy watching Sachin Tendulkar bat when not playing. I am a team-man so as long as my team is winning, you use the time outside to learn and deliver when the team decides to give you a chance.”

The bat was a weapon in his hands, two huge sixes marked a quickfire 20 off 11 balls. Pollard followed it up with two good catches and the vital wicket of Dinesh Karthik.

“The challenge is to perform when you get a chance in pressure situations. T20 is a game where momentum swings in the short space of say three overs. You should deliver when the team wants.”
Breakthrough

The West Indian's catch on the fence to sent back Paul Valthaty was a breakthrough for Mumbai Indians.

Pollard explains: “The batsman had hit a six the previous ball, so I worked it out and positioned myself a little straighter.”

He uses time at the nets to pick up tips from experienced internationals in the squad. “We have Sachin, Andrew Symonds, Harbhajan Singh who have a lot of experience in international cricket.

“I try to learn by watching and talking to them at the nets and incorporate those things in my game.”

Playing the IPL instead of turning out for the West Indies, at a time when some key players and the Board are at loggerheads, is a tricky time for the all-rounder.

“Sometimes you have to agree to disagree. I hope the players and board sit down and discuss things out for the betterment of West Indies cricket.”

Pollard and Chris Gayle are the two frontline players turning out to be match-winners for MI and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively.
Domestic tournament

Kings XI captain Adam Gilchrist, when asked about the possibility of five foreign players in the future, he said: “it's a domestic tournament aimed at giving lesser-known Indians players the chance to go far.

“I wonder if it will serve the purpose if the event gets top-heavy with international players. Look at the English Premier League.

“I know it is highly entertaining, but is it doing enough for English football the way IPL should be assisting development of Indian cricket?” the Aussie great pondered.

Referring to the loss to Mumbai Indians, he said: “Mumbai Indians have big players who keep firing away from match to match.

“Defeating Mumbai is tough, but possible if all aspects of your game are working. Our bowlers did their part well to restrict them, we only fell about 20 runs short, which is pretty close.”