Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who is busy with T20 action in the CPL, is showing immaculate form ahead of his arrival in the UAE for the 13th edition of IPL. With the situation over players’ participation and squad depth all but clear for all franchises, many have started to contemplate on what the ideal positions and team compositions for different franchises should be.
Former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, spoke about the ideal batting position for Pollard as he advised Mumbai Indians to not put the player lower than No. 4 or No. 5 position in the batting order considering the form that the West Indian is at the moment.
“Absolutely and you will also want to see that he continues this kind of form in the IPL. But the main thing is to see how Mumbai Indians use him,” Gambhir said on Star Sports’ ‘Cricket Connected’ show.
“Mahela Jayawardene will be the happiest to see Kieron Pollard’s batting. If you want to use Kieron Pollard’s form, then you should not send Kieron Pollard below No.4 or No.5 in the batting order because you have firepower,” he added.
Another former Indian cricketer, Ajit Agarkar, also asserted that the veteran batsman is at his best when he comes out to play at No. 5 or No. 6 position.
“Mumbai Indians will be very happy with Kieron Pollard’s form. We have seen a match against Barbados Tridents which was appearing to be lost, when he came and won it alone. He has this capability as a match-winner of winning a lost match on his own.” Agarkar said.
“At this moment, he can play at any position. I think he has come at No.4 on one or two occasions but when he comes at No.5 or No.6, the bowlers are under pressure and if his form remains like this, the next 2 months will be enjoyable to watch him,” he concluded.
