IPL 8: Glad to prove critics wrong, says Kieron Pollard

MI's Kieron Pollard en route his 17-ball 41 against CSK on Tuesday

Mumbai Indians' big-hitter Kieron Pollard has amassed 383 runs, including two half-centuries, in 13 innings this far in IPL-8, making him one of the chief architects of a campaign that has seen MI storm into their third IPL final.


MI's Kieron Pollard en route his 17-ball 41 against CSK on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble

And moments after MI's 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings in the Qualifier 1 at Wankhede, Pollard said he was fired up by critics, who wrote him off initially. "It's just about being consistent for me. A lot of people say lot of things and I'm one who looks for motivation.

A lot of people said before this tournament that Pollard is this, Pollard is that, Pollard is done. For me, it's about proving them wrong. I know for myself what I can do.

"I have been performing consistently for the team whenever needed. When you play cricket with a clean mind and clean heart, things follow you. I've been targeted by the umpires again. So, I'm just staying quiet and doing my bit," said Pollard with a wry smile after his whirlwind 17-ball 41 against CSK at the Wankhede on Tuesday.

Massive turnaround for MI Riding on Lendl Simmons' half-century and Pollard's entertaining knock, MI posted 187-6, following which CSK were bowled out for 162. The victory was MI's eighth in their last nine matches after a poor start that saw them lose their first four games on the trot.

Pollard justified this saying: "I don't think anything was lacking. This is franchisee cricket... a group of players coming together two-three days before the tournament, sometimes the team that adapts quickly, builds the momentum.

"In last two years, MI hasn't started off well in the tournament, but were able to finish well. Like CSK, we have a settled unit and are consistent. But we are now into the final and that's what's important."