CSK vs MI: Zaheer Khan Reveals Why Kieron Pollard Was Left Out Of The Starting XI After "Clasico" Win In IPL 2022

In the 59th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians (MI) released their ace all-rounder Kieron Pollard (CSK). The reason for Pollard’s exclusion was explained after the match by Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan.

In the 15th edition of the tournament, Pollard only had 144 runs in 11 games.

The game was played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. On Thursday, Pollard became 35 years old. In the past, the outstanding all-rounder has been crucial for MI.

MI made two adjustments on Thursday. They handed South African big-hitter Tristan Stubbs a chance in place of Pollard, while Hrithik Shokeen took over for Murugan Ashwin. Last month, Stubbs was brought in as a substitute.

The reason for Pollard’s removal was explained by Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan after the match. Zaheer Khan explained that because it was the final leg of the tournament, the team’s management wanted to try new faces.

“Pollard has been one of the primary keys to the success of this organization over the past, he’s been part of the procedures through and through,” Khan said.

“As an individual and member of the core group, he was on board, it wasn’t easy on him but he made it simple for us.”

‘Pollard has been a great team man’: Zaheer Khan

Pollard is a wonderful team player, according to the former Indian pacer. “He’s been a terrific team man,” Zaheer Khan said of the star all-rounder. “Even today, it was nice to witness his efforts from the sidelines.”

MI skipper Rohit Sharma also stated at the time of the toss that the decision to omit Pollard was made with the future in mind. Notably, the West Indies all-rounder was the only player to appear in all seven of Mumbai Indians’ titles.

In the IPL 2022, though, he was out of form. In the 11 games he played in the competition, Pollard had only 144 runs.

Also Read: IPL 2022: Pat Cummins Ruled Out Of The Tournament Due To A Hip Injury