‘Once an MI always an MI’ - Mumbai Indians explosive batter Kieron Pollard calls time on IPL career

Mumbai Indians star batter Kieron Pollard has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the forthcoming season. The all-rounder joined the side in 2010 and has relished winning the IPL title a record five times during his stint with the franchise.

35-year-old Pollard took to Twitter to post an emotional tweet as he ended his 13-year association with the highly successful franchise in the IPL.

“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I intend to keep playing for a few more years, but following discussions with the Mumbai Indians, I have decided to call time on my IPL career. I cannot see myself playing against MI either. ‘Once an MI always an MI’,” read one of the excerpts from the tweet.

“I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons. It was always an aspiration to play for this fantastic team and although I will miss the buzz of the IPL you get as a player, I take comfort in knowing that I have been fortunate enough to have played with some of the best players in the world in front of our passionate fans,” read another.

Agreed to take up the role of batting coach: Kieron Pollard

Despite the fact that the star player has called it quits on his professional playing career with the Mumbai Indians, he further stated that he would take up the role of the batting coach in the Mumbai Indians setup.

“This is not an emotional goodbye to MI however as I have agreed to take up the role of batting coach in the IPL as well as play with the MI emirates. This next chapter of my career is genuinely exciting and allows me to transition myself too from playing cricket to coaching,” Pollard said on confirming his new role.