Kieron Pollard

WI
WI
All-Rounder
All-Rounder
Kieron Pollard

Player Bio

With his towering height, impeccable fielding skills, and dynamic batting ability, Kieron Pollard is one of the most exciting cricketers in the world today. Born on May 12, 1987, in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Pollard rose to prominence as an explosive all-rounder who can change the course of a match within just a few overs. He has represented several T20 franchises around the world and is a sought-after player in various leagues.

Early Life and Background

Pollard grew up in a poor household, raised by his single mother. He developed an interest in cricket at an early age after watching West Indian great Brian Lara bat on television. As a child, he honed his cricketing skills by playing with makeshift equipment like coconut branches for bats and tennis balls for cricket balls.

He later played for Trinidad and Tobago in the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge. It was not long before he caught the eye of selectors and was called up to represent the West Indies Under-19 cricket team on a tour of Pakistan.

Rise to Prominence

Pollard made his first-class debut against Barbados, where he scored a century that put him on the radar of several T20 leagues around the world. He brought his big-hitting ability to the South Australia Redbacks in Australia's domestic league Twenty20 Big Bash in 2009.

In 2010, he joined the Mumbai Indians, where he became known for his powerful hitting down the order, which helped them win multiple IPL titles. His performances earned him international recognition as he represented the West Indies at ICC World T20 tournaments with notable contributions, including being part of the winning team in 2012.

Cricketing Career

With over ten thousand runs under his belt across all formats of cricket, combined with impressive bowling statistics and athleticism, Pollard is undoubtedly an asset to any team. His excellent fielding skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best fielders in the world.

Pollard has played in 123 ODIs, scoring 2706 runs at an average of 26.01, including three centuries and thirteen fifties. He has also taken 55 wickets with an economy rate of 5.69.

In T20Is, he has scored 1569 runs in 101 matches at an average of 25.30 with a strike rate of 135.14. He has also taken 42 wickets with an economy rate of 8.32.

Pollard boasts a rich IPL career, having played for the Mumbai Indians for over a decade since making his debut in March 2010 against the Delhi Capitals. In his IPL career so far, he has scored 3412 runs in 189 matches at an average of 28.67 with a strike rate of 147.32 while taking 69 wickets with an economy rate of 8.79.

His skills as an all-rounder were most notably demonstrated when he blasted six sixes off Sri Lankan bowler Akila Dananjaya's over during the first T20I between the West Indies and Sri Lanka on March 4, 2021, becoming the third player ever to achieve this feat after Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh.

Despite being labelled as an ODI specialist, Pollard was overlooked for Tests early in his career and turned down the offer for central contracts to play T20s worldwide instead.

Kieron Pollard's dynamic playing style and charismatic personality have made him one of the most sought-after cricketers around the world today, earning him prestige both on and off the field.

Major Tournaments and Series 

Kieron Pollard is a cricketer who has been known for his aggressive batting style and exceptional fielding skills. In addition to his impressive performances in various T20 leagues around the world, he has also had a significant impact in major international tournaments.

Pollard made his debut in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, where he played a crucial role in leading the West Indies to their first-ever title. He was also part of the West Indies team that won the ICC World T20 tournament in 2012, where he made valuable contributions with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.

In addition to these successes, Pollard has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played an integral role in Mumbai's title-winning campaign in 2013, scoring crucial runs throughout the tournament and taking some exceptional catches in the field. He was named Man of the Final for his performance in this match.

Throughout his career, Pollard has continued to make significant contributions to his teams' success across international tournaments and leagues alike. His explosive batting style combined with his excellent fielding skills have made him an invaluable asset to any team that he represents.

Playing Role and Skills 

Kieron Pollard is an all-rounder who plays primarily as a middle-order batsman but can bowl at a useful medium pace as well. His playing style is characterised by aggressive shot-making coupled with subtle changes of pace while bowling.

As a batsman, Pollard is known for his excellent striking ability and his ability to clear the boundary with ease. He holds the record for hitting six sixes in one over in international cricket, which he achieved against Sri Lanka in March 2021. His batting skills make him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket, where he can take the game away from opposition teams in just a few overs.

As a bowler, Pollard relies on his subtle changes of pace to deceive opposition batsmen and pick up wickets at crucial junctures of the game. While he may not be the primary strike bowler on his team, he can still play an important role with his bowling skills.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona 

Kieron Pollard's off-the-field persona is characterised by his quiet and reserved nature. He is known for being dedicated to his craft and always working hard to improve himself, both as a cricketer and as a person.

Pollard has had several experiences as a captain throughout his career, having led various teams across different tournaments around the world. His leadership qualities are highly regarded by those who have played under him, given that he leads by example both on and off the field.

In terms of personal interests outside of cricket, Pollard is known to be an avid lover of music. He often shares posts on social media about new songs or albums that he has been listening to recently.

As far as brand endorsements are concerned, Pollard has been associated with several brands throughout his career, including Adidas, Monster Energy Drinks, and Hero MotoCorp, among others. These endorsements serve as testaments to Pollard's star power and his reputation as one of the most exciting cricketers in the world.

Legacy and Impact

Kieron Pollard has left a significant impact on the game of cricket, both as a player and as an inspiration to future generations. His extraordinary ability to smash the ball out of the park has made him a fan favourite around the world. Many young cricketers have tried to emulate his playing style, but few have been able to replicate his success.

Pollard's six sixes in one over against Sri Lanka in March 2021 is considered one of the most remarkable feats in cricket history. He achieved this feat with ease, showcasing his natural talent and explosive power. This incredible performance was featured in many highlight reels worldwide and cemented Pollard's legacy as one of the best T20 players ever.

Pollard's leadership skills are also noteworthy. He captained several teams throughout his career, including the West Indies, Mumbai Indians, and Barbados Royals. Under his leadership, these teams enjoyed great success in various tournaments.

In addition to being an excellent player and leader, Pollard is also known for his charitable work off-field. He established The Kieron Pollard Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago to support local communities through education and sports initiatives.

Recognition and Awards

Kieron Pollard has received numerous accolades throughout his career for his outstanding performances on the field. He was named Man of the Final in the 2013 IPL after playing a crucial role in Mumbai Indians' title win that year. 

In 2012, he was part of the West Indies team that won the ICC World T20 Championship, which garnered much attention from various international leagues.

Pollard has also been recognised for outstanding performances during individual matches, such as being awarded Player of the Match several times across formats over different seasons by multiple franchises he played for, such as Somerset County Cricket Club.

As captain, he led the Barbados Royals (then called Tridents) to victory in the 2019 Caribbean Premier League. He was awarded "Man of the Tournament" for his all-round performances.

Kieron Pollard has had an illustrious career as a cricketer, leading some of the most prominent T20 franchises in world cricket to victory and demonstrating his power-hitting prowess with memorable performances on the field. His explosive playing style and extraordinary ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him a fan favourite around the world.

In addition to his success on the field, Pollard is also known for his philanthropic work off-field, establishing The Kieron Pollard Foundation to help support local communities through education and sports initiatives.

As he retires from international cricket and the IPL after more than a decade of service, fans will remember Kieron Pollard's contributions to cricket fondly. With a legacy that includes numerous records and achievements, he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.

FAQs
What is Kieron Pollard's highest score in ODIs?
Kieron Pollard's highest score in ODIs is 119.
Has Kieron Pollard achieved any significant milestones in T20 internationals?
Yes, Kieron Pollard became the first cricketer for the West Indies to play in 100 T20I matches.
How many T20 matches has Kieron Pollard played?
Kieron Pollard has played over 600 Twenty20 matches throughout his career.
What is Kieron Pollard's net worth?
Kieron Pollard's net worth is estimated to be around $30 million USD.
Has Kieron Pollard ever scored a century in international T20s?
No, Kieron Pollard has not scored a century in international T20s, but he has six fifties under his belt across formats, including International games and franchise leagues such as the IPL, where he played for Mumbai Indians throughout most of his career.