MI’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan explains the reason behind Kieron Pollard’s retention

Five-time Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians retained skipper Rohit Sharma, pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounder Kieron Pollard and gun batsman Suryakumar Yadav for next year’s edition of the multi-million dollar franchise tournament on Tuesday (30).

A maximum of four players [up to three Indians, up to two overseas and/or up to two uncapped Indians] could be retained by the existing teams ahead of the mega auction where two new IPL teams will enter the league in 2022.

Rohit was retained for Rs 16 crore, Bumrah’s for Rs 12 crore, Suryakumar cost the franchise Rs 8 crore and Pollard for Rs 6 crore.

Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has spoken on the franchise’s decision to retain Keiron Pollard.

Following the retention, Zaheer Khan lauded West Indian all-rounder Keiron Pollard for being the leader of the pack for the longest time. The former left-arm pacer told Cricbuzz:

“Pollard has been the leader of this group for the longest time. One of the strongest finishers in the game. His influence around the team has been great. He leads from the front with Rohit Sharma. So each guys who are retained, they are leaders in their own positions, and in their own rights.” he said

The 34-year-old Caribbean all-rounder has been part of the Mumbai Indians since 2010, and has lifted the IPL trophy record five times.