IPL 2020: “IPL final is the biggest thing after World Cup final,” says Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard, the West Indies limited-overs skipper, has expressed pride in playing at a stage as big as an Indian Premier League (IPL) final. On Tuesday, Mumbai Indians (MI), for whom Pollard plays, are set to lock horns against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at Dubai in a quest for their fifth IPL trophy.
Pollard stated that because of its magnitude, playing in an IPL final comes second after representing the national team in a World Cup final. Ahead of the all-important clash on November 10, Pollard understands that there will be a lot of pressure, but he isn’t ready to bog down by any means.
Kieron Pollard all set for the epic clash
“The name of the game is pressure, in a final. Everyone takes that pressure. You want to win and not commit a mistake, but at the end of the day, you have to try to take the finals as a normal game. Just go out there, enjoy yourself and the atmosphere,” Pollard was quoted as saying in a video uploaded on MI’s official Twitter handle.
“Obviously, no crowds in this final, but enjoy the magnitude of it. It is an IPL final, it’s the biggest thing after the World Cup final,” he added.
? ? @IPL Final it is!#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL #Dream11IPLFinal #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/bZGjuc5ecA
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 10, 2020
In the tournament, Pollard has shown his brute force with quite a few cameos down the order. The veteran also led MI efficiently when Rohit Sharma was out of the playing eleven after sustaining a hamstring strain during MI’s double Super Over clash against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
Back in September, Pollard also guided Trinbago Knight Riders to glory in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Under his leadership, TKR remained unbeaten and beat the St Lucia Zouks, led by Daren Sammy, in the final. He also has struck the ball fiercely of late.
Talking about the IPL final, meanwhile, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene stated that the team won’t be looking too far ahead and would rather enjoy out there in the middle.
“It’s another game of cricket, we are not thinking too far ahead, as long as we go through the processes and execute our skills, it’s a contest between bat and ball, runs and wickets, so try and enjoy this contest,” he stated.
