Table of Contents
West Indies legend Kieron Pollard’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) has gained numerous tributes from every corner of the cricket fraternity. Notably, the all-rounder was an integral part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) side that won five titles in the cash-rich league.
Pollard mentioned he cannot imagine playing for any other franchise other than MI and revealed he will take up the new batting coach role from the 2023 season. Polly also confirmed the he will play for MI Emirates, which is owned by the same group, in the inaugural edition of the International T20 League (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
After Pollard made his decision public, many of his former Mumbai Indians teammates came up with some heartwarming tributes for the Trinidadian. Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said there is never a goodbye at MI setup and welcomed him for the new role.
“At @mipaltan there is never a goodbye, Polly. Congratulations on becoming the new batting coach for the MI franchise. Your presence will be a big influence for all the boys in the dugout,” tweeted Tendulkar.
At @mipaltan there is never a goodbye, Polly.
Congratulations on becoming the new batting coach for the MI franchise.
Your presence will be a big influence for all the boys in the dugout. https://t.co/mpxWr4csrD
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2022
Another MI great Lasith Malinga, wished Pollard a happy retirement and said he really enjoyed playing alongside the Caribbean giant.
“Happy Retirement, Polly! I really enjoyed playing alongside you over the years, big man. All the best for the next phase of your cricket journey. @mipaltan’s batting will surely go from strength to strength under your guidance,” wrote Malinga.
Happy Retirement Polly!💙
I really enjoyed playing alongside you over the years big man🤗
All the best for the next phase of your cricket journey. @mipaltan’s batting will surely go from strength to strength under your guidance.🙌@KieronPollard55 | #OneFamily pic.twitter.com/K1zJT9wrHz— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) November 15, 2022
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah said it would take some time to get used to of not seeing Pollard on the field before wishing good luck to Polly for his new role in the side.
“It’ll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I’ll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career, Polly and all the best for your new innings,” tweeted Bumrah.
It'll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I'll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new innings 👏 @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/7NgaatvJko
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) November 15, 2022
Here is how others wished Pollard:
From then to now, the brotherhood has only grown stronger, Polly 💙
It is going to be tough to not have you on the field with us, but very excited to have the opportunity to keep learning from you, in your new role 🙏
Wish you all the best for this new chapter 💪#OneFamily pic.twitter.com/ju3QLEbMN7— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) November 15, 2022
Your contribution to the game of cricket is indispensable. Congratulations brother on an amazing career @KieronPollard55 😍 Wishing you all the best for your future endeavours!🤗 https://t.co/0YnUkUVzdp
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 16, 2022
MI and IPL fans will remember @KieronPollard55 ‘s contribution to the league and the team.well done mate.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 15, 2022
Polly, where do I begin? You are a giant and a legend of the game. Sharing a dressing room with you and learning from you has been one of the best experiences of my career. My mentor, my brother, and one of the best people I know.
Thank you for everything. @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/ROCEbWxWlG
— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) November 16, 2022
Genuine pleasure being part of the @mumbaiindians family with you Polly, genuine legend, player, bloke. A great mentor and friend and someone who I looked up to on and off the field.
Great that you are continuing with Mumbai in your new role congrats @KieronPollard55 https://t.co/FysXQ7vUbK
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) November 16, 2022
Polly, I will cherish all our memories and years of success together. You're a superstar of our sport and one of the best players I've had the honour of sharing the dressing room with. Excited about working even closer with you ❤️ @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/kiyPzjcxso
— Ishan Kishan (@ishankishan51) November 15, 2022
Polly my man you hv won lot of hearts during ur long stint with @mipaltan Good luck as a batting coach and future .. See you soon Big man 💎 Love always https://t.co/gcLbRcH4uu
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 15, 2022