Thaindian News

Chennai, Sep 21 (IANS) Kieron Pollard, known for his big-hitting prowess, is obviously chafing at the bit going into the Champions League T20 in a bid to make up for his dismal showing in this summer’s Indian Premier League where he averaged just 14.60 and was generally inconspicuous.

It was thought that Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar erred in not asking Pollard to bat higher up the order. Consequently, in the 16 matches that the Trinidadian played, he got to face just 133 balls, often in a hit-or-miss situation.

“Any cricketer would love to grab the opportunity to bat high up the order and try to maximize the time. Having said that, there are 11 players out there and it is the team management that decides on these matters.

“Whatever the position that I am slotted into, I will do my best and see we qualify for the semi finals this year,” said the 24-year old here Wednesday during an interaction with the media.

Pollard first made his mark in T20 when assisting Trinidad and Tobago reach the final of the 2009 Champions League. Thereafter, he was picked up by Mumbai Indians whom he favoured rather than his home team Trinidad and Tobago or, for that matter Somerset, in the Champions League.

When asked about the choice he made, Pollard said: “I did not see any dilemma and at the end of the day, I play for Mumabi Indians. It was the team that I was thinking and I played for Mumbai. I am here to play for Mumbai Indians.”

Regarding Tendulkar’s absence due to a toe injury, Pollard said: “Obviously, Sachin is an important person in our team. He has passed on his knowledge. Guys have learnt a lot from him and whoever gets a chance, he has to perform.”

When asked about Harbhajan Singh’s fitness in the wake of the abdominal strain that forced him out of the recent ODI series against England, Pollard said: “I cannot answer that for you. He has been bowling at the nets. He is confident and at the end of the day, you know you had a bad series, but he has got to be motivated and come up with solid performances.”

Pollard said the team has been working hard on preparing for the tournament with camps in Baroda and Bangalore.

“Preparations have been pretty good. I joined the team a couple of days ago, but the boys have been preparing at camps in Baroda and Bangalore. They have training hard and looking forward to the competitive matches in Champions League,” he said.

On the forthcoming matches, Pollard said: “Four games in the preliminary league. You get an opportunity and you do well for your team and yourself. If you do not get an opportunity, so be it. We will have a game plan for the first match and then we will see how that plan works and try to improve each and every game as we go forward.”

Mumbai Indians face the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in their opening fixture Saturday and Pollard was too aware of the home advantage, but gave his team a good chance to pull it off.

“It is a game of cricket. Obviously, it is their home ground and so, it is advantage for them. We go there as 11 versus 11, whoever plays better come out as winner,” he said.