Kieron Pollard announces retirement from IPL and is named Mumbai Indians batting coach

Mumbai On Tuesday, Kieron Pollard announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 35-year-old will remain with the organisation as a batting coach.

“It hasn’t been an easy decision because I intend to keep playing for more years. But following discussions with Mumbai Indians, I have a franchise that has achieved so much that needs to transition, and if I am no longer to play for MI, then I can’t watch myself playing against MI either,” the West Indian said in a statement. ‘Once a MI, always a MI,’ they say. However, this is not an emotional farewell to MI because I have agree to take on the role of batting coach in the IPL and play for MI Emirates.”

“This next chapter of my career is truly exciting, and it allows me to transition from playing to coaching,” Pollard added.

“I am immensely proud, honoured, and blessed to have represented the biggest also most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons,” the 35-year-old added. It was still a dream of mine to play for this fantastic team, and while I will miss the buzz of the IPL as a player, I abide comfort in knowing that I have had the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world in front of adoring fans. On and off the field, I have always felt and appreciated their unwavering support. We won the Champions League in 2011 also 2013, as well as the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, also 2020.”

“I must thank the coaches, managers, and other backroom support staff we had at Mumbai Indians also who I now join,” the power hitter said. We would not have been successful over the years without their ongoing hard work, dedication, also commitment to creating the best environment, also I look forward to following in their footsteps. I want to pay special tribute to my good friend Robin Singh, whose shoes I now fill, for his sound advice and guidance over the years.”