Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar penned a special tribute for West Indies icon Kieron Pollard after the Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League ahead of the auction for the next season on Tuesday. Hailed as one of the finest players in the shortest format of the game, Pollard decided to bid farewell to the IPL after spending 13 seasons with record-time winners Mumbai Indians.
On Tuesday, Pollard took to his social media and announced the big news by sharing a lengthy note for his fans. He also confirmed that he will continue with the Mumbai Indians family in his new role as a batting coach. He wrote:
“It hasn’t been the easiest decision to make as I will keep playing for a few more years, but I understand that this incredible franchise which has achieved so much needs to transition and if I’m no longer to play for MI then I cannot see myself playing against MI either. Once an MI always an MI. I am immensely proud, honoured and blessed to have represented the biggest and most successful team in the IPL for the past 13 seasons. Most sincerely, I express my deep appreciation to Mukesh, Nita and Akash Ambani for their tremendous love, support and respect I have always felt and for the confidence they placed in me. I recall our first encounter when they welcomed me with open arms saying, “We are family”. Those were not just mere words, but demonstrated by their every action throughout my time with Mumbai Indians.”
Check out the Tweet:
💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/4mDVKT3eu6
— Kieron Pollard (@KieronPollard55) November 15, 2022
Meanwhile, hours after Kieron Pollard announced the big news, former MI skipper Sachin Tendulkar took to his social media and congratulated Pollard for his unparalleled contribution to the Mumbai-based franchise. He wrote:
“Happy Retirement @KieronPollard55 even though it would be upsetting to not see you play in the IPL, I know there is more of you that is yet to be seen. Many congratulations to you on becoming the new batting coach for Mumbai Indians and on your incredible career. #MumbaiIndians”
Check out the Tweet:
Happy Retirement @KieronPollard55 even though it would be upsetting to not see you play in the IPL, I know there is more of you that is yet to be seen. Many congratulations to you on becoming the new batting coach for Mumbai Indians and on your incredible career. #MumbaiIndians https://t.co/TRiMgj5v2z
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 15, 2022
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Besides Sachin Tendulkar, Pollard’s former teammates Harbhajan Singh and Jasprit Bumrah have also penned heartfelt notes for the ex-West Indies all-rounder.
“Polly my man you have won lot of hearts during ur long stint with @mipaltan Good luck as a batting coach and future .. See you soon Big man Love always,” former MI skipper Harbhajan tweeted.
Check out his Tweet:
Polly my man you hv won lot of hearts during ur long stint with @mipaltan Good luck as a batting coach and future .. See you soon Big man 💎 Love always https://t.co/gcLbRcH4uu
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 15, 2022
Bumrah also took to his social media and wrote that it will take some time to get used to the fact that the all-rounder will not be on the field but he said that he will enjoy their banters in the nets. He wrote:
“It’ll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I’ll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new innings @KieronPollard55,” added Bumrah, who also kickstarted his IPL career at Mumbai Indians.
Check out the Tweet:
It’ll take some used to you not being on the field out there with us, but I’ll still enjoy our banter in the nets. Congratulations on an incredible career Polly and all the best for your new innings 👏 @KieronPollard55 pic.twitter.com/7NgaatvJko
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) November 15, 2022
