After helping the defending Indian Premier League winners Mumbai Indians get back on track, West Indies legend Kieron Pollard thinks reaching 300 wickets in Twenty20 cricket will always be memorable. Mumbai beat Punjab Kings by six wickets on Tuesday to resurrect their title defence. Pollard got two important wickets and struck an unbeaten 15 from seven balls. The 1.96 metre (6ft 5ins) all-rounder became the first player in T20 history to reach 300 wickets and 10,000 runs, and he believes it will provide bowlers a “significant” boost.
“Bowlers are a bit underrated,” Pollard said on hitting the landmark with his medium-pace bowling.
“For me you are just supposed to do what the team requires. As an individual, I know what I can do in all the facets of the game, and whenever I get the opportunity just try to do my best.”
The West Indies limited-overs skipper returned big-hitting T20 teammate Chris Gayle before making Punjab captain KL Rahul his 300th victim. “If it means getting these wickets, I’ll take it every time.”
“I honestly admit I don’t have pace, spin, or swing,” he continued, “but I do have a little bit of brain and I just try to use it to the best of my ability.”
Since joining Mumbai in 2010, the 34-year-old has won five titles with the club.
He is adamant about continuing to play and proving his worth.
“Age is catching up with me because (there are) young guys in the dressing room, so I have to continue to show them that, ‘listen, I still got it’,” he said.
“So most of the time, it’s just to show these young guys what I can do.”
Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, lauded his middle-order rock.
“Give him the ball, give him the bat, he’s ready to do the job,” said Sharma.
“Those two wickets were crucial. He’ll be happy getting the Man of the Match for his bowling performance.”
The Mumbai Indians are in fifth place in the eight-team league and will face the Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
