IPL 2021: Kieron Pollard’s innings was about brawn, brain and conclusion

MI`s Kieron Pollard en route his 34-ball 87 v CSK on Saturday. Pic/PTI

Saturday's Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians game at New Delhi can be viewed as one of the greatest run chases in the history of T20 cricket, if not the IPL in terms of skills for a huge chase.

A total of 218 in 20 overs is a winning one by all assumptions. Faf du Plessis, (50 off 28 balls) Moeen Ali (58 off 36) and the devastating Ambati Rayudu (72 not out off 27) - all healthy contributions in terms of strike rates-ensured a maximum batting performances by CSK.

Credit to MI bowlers

With a fine batting performance, one would expect most bowlers to go for a few or more than a few. But Kieron Pollard with 2-12 off his two overs and Rahul Chahar, who conceded only 32 off his four, deserve credit in what was a destructive batting performance.

Chasing a huge total poses two challenges. One is not to fall behind on the run rate and the other, not to lose wickets. MI got to 71 with an opening partnership from skipper Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock.

Pollard has been with MI since 2010. He has grown and is ageing gracefully with MI. For a franchise to hold you for 12 seasons, there ought to be mutual respect, belief and a deep understanding for each other.

Entertaining knock

Pollard mirrored exactly why these qualities are relevant. A buccaneering 87 not out off 34 balls is what came between a CSK win and MI's loss. His menacing innings was a classic exhibition of entertainment the 20-over format brings to the game.

The Pollard ilk will deceive as much as flatter, but when they flatter they will embarrass opposition teams. This innings will often be remembered in future team meetings when turnarounds are discussed; a great reference point for the future. Pollard has won many games for MI with his power but this innings was about brawn, brain and conclusion.

CSK will know they ticked all the boxes to deserve a win except of course, the Pollard tsunami.