Kieron Pollard: Is Cricket's Entertainer an 'Eye Sore' for Umpires?
Dancing comes as naturally to him as hitting massive shots. For Kieron Pollard though, aggression is a natural part of the game as well - one that he feels umpires tend to hold against him.
He can single-handedly grab attention of fans each time he steps out on the cricket field. Whether it is smashing the ball senseless or shaking a leg while fielding, Kieron Pollard is a character who effortlessly commands limelight. Unfortunately for him, the West Indian also attracts the ire of many umpires and feels he may be under needless scrutiny in Indian Premier League. (IPL 2015 Complete Coverage | Points Table | Stats)
Pollard's antics in IPL have gone viral on social media on several occasions. Whether it was the incident of flinging the bat towards Bangalore's Mitchell Starc in IPL 7 or taping his mouth this season after being warned not to sledge Chris Gayle. The burly West Indian, who turns 28 today, has been seen as a controversial figure by many. (KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan won't be allowed inside Wankhede during MI clash)
"In T20, you need to be competitive. West Indians share a bit of banter and poke each other funnily but for umpires to take it that way is a bit too much. I have been constantly targeted by umpires and referees," Pollard was quoted as saying by a national daily. (Grounded AB de Villiers determined to help RCB fly)
"So, I made up my mind to just shut up. I went to my physio and got the tape before putting it on my mouth. It was the only way I could show my disagreement." (KXIP release Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Johnson)
The infamous incident happened on April 19 when Pollard's Mumbai Indians faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His team had posted a formidable total of 210 but Pollard apparently tried to 'unnerve' Gayle - a move not liked by the umpires.
The solution? Pollard literally taped up his mouth to show that he would do absolutely no talking, sledging or otherwise. When he had to talk to a teammate, he peeled off an edge of the tape to talk and put the tape back on. While most saw the lighter side of it and were in splits, Gayle did not appear too pleased. (CSK want to enter playoffs as No. 1 side: Fleming)
For Pollard though, aggression is a natural aspect of West Indies' cricket. "It comes naturally to us - the aggressive brand of cricket, going for big shots, the dynamic fielding, celebration and stuff," he said. "These things just happen as it's part of our nature and we want to enjoy everything we do on the field." (AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli share record-stand in T20 history)
With Mumbai currently placed sixth and with two matches remaining, Pollard will need to do a lot more than just enjoy his game, if the side has to make it to the playoffs.