IPL 2021: Knocks against Chennai Super Kings are always special, feels Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard is an all-rounder for Windies who has been playing for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League since 2010. Being a veteran in the tournament, he has played 171 games and scored 3,191 runs at 30.68, besides claiming 63 wickets at 8.83.

Windies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has been in the headlines since Saturday night. His blistering knock of an unbeaten 87, including the fastest IPL half-century (in 17 balls), helped defending champion Mumbai Indians beat former champion Chennai Super Kings by four wickets in Match 27 of the 2021 Indian Premier League at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Riding on the perfect Twenty20 batting track, Pollard overpowered a consolidated batting effort from the CSK batsmen to chase down a hefty total of 219 in a last-ball thriller. Recalling the same, Pollard asserted that any knock against CSK, especially a winning one, is always special, owing to the intimidating side MS Dhoni and co is.

"There are world-class players in CSK. We billed this match-up as the Clasico of the IPL when you have international guys with so much experience. Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina, guys that have done it time and time again. You know you want to be able to come and perform in these sort of matches. These sort of things are what stands up when people speak about the individuals," Pollard said during the post-match press conference, reports PTI.

"Over a period of time, you are comfortable in a franchise and they believe in you. After so many years, you just want to continue to come out and perform for them. And, perform yourself bright. So, for me, it is just (a) matter of coming in day in and day out, trying to evolve as a cricketer, and trying to do my best," he added, reflecting on his MI career over the years and the perfect match-finisher that he has become.

Pollard also hailed the incredible batting side MI is and the exquisite talents the side possesses. "There are a lot of guys who are talented in their own right. A lot of guys would have won cricket matches for their international teams and different franchises, so not to name anybody, but the guys have their talent," he concluded.