Kieron Pollard Out of RAM SLAM T20 Challenge Due to Knee Injury
Kieron Pollard, who was the player of the tournament in the 2014-15 RAM SLAM T20 and played for defending champions Cape Cobras, suffered the injury during the match against VKB Knights. He was the best batsman, in terms of average, of his team at the time of injury
West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who is an important member of the RAM SLAM T20 champions Cape Cobras, has been ruled out of remainder of the South African league due to an injury in his right knee. (Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo Ignored for Australia Series)
The 28-year-old Pollard suffered the injury during Cobras' match against VKB Knights at Boland Park on Sunday. He scored unbeaten 23 off 12 balls to help his team win and reach the third position in the points table.
Pollard, who was recently part of West Indies' T20I for the Sri Lanka tour, experienced discomfort during the match itself but continued to play for the sake of his team. His performance in the previous two T20 matches are as follows - 44, 1/32 (vs Titans) and 7, 1/32 (vs Dolphins).
"We are severely disappointed about the loss of a stalwart like Kieron," said Paul Adams, the Cape Cobras coach. "Kieron has given his all. The fact that he went out to bat after he got injured, underlines his dedication and commitment to the team. He has been an inspiration to the whole squad."
Pollard was not only the player of the tournament in the 2014-15 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge but was also the best batsman for the Cobras, with an average of 51.50, at the time of injury.
Pollard plays in several T20 leagues around the world including the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is a specialist T20 player who helped Mumbai Indians win the 2014 IPL.
However, his relation with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has been controversy ridden. Recently, Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were not picked for the ODI series against Sri Lanka which led to coach Lendl Simmons criticising the Board.
Simmons was suspended for his act but he was reinstated after he apologised for his action.
Pollard, who has 2042 ODI runs and 44 wickets in 91 matches, was also not picked for the 2015 ICC World Cup. He has 664 runs and 22 wickets in 45 T20Is.