New Delhi, 25 October (H.S.): Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has reflected on his long association with the Mumbai Indians, describing the experience of revisiting his achievements as a player as an emotional one as he takes on the responsibility of leading the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise as its new head coach.

In a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media platform X on Sunday, Pollard looked back on his journey with the franchise, which began during the 2009 Champions League Twenty20. Having played a pivotal role in the team's success over the years, he said that assuming the head coach's position was a special feeling.

Pollard said that looking back at the milestones he had achieved as a player gave him goosebumps. Revisiting those moments, he explained, brought back memories and emotions that were difficult to fully appreciate while they were unfolding.

“As human beings, we sometimes fail to fully register those moments when we are experiencing them. When we look back, everything can seem like a distant, hazy memory. Revisiting those moments brings back a range of emotions,” he said.

Reflecting on his playing career, Pollard described it as a responsibility he had fulfilled to the best of his ability. He expressed hope that he would continue to serve the franchise with the same commitment and dedication in his new role as head coach.

Mumbai Indians have appointed Pollard as head coach, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene. The former West Indies international has been closely associated with the franchise for years and played an instrumental role in several of its title-winning campaigns. His appointment marks a new chapter in a relationship that has spanned his playing career and subsequent coaching responsibilities.

Pollard represented Mumbai Indians in the IPL from 2010 to 2022, featuring in 189 matches and scoring 3,412 runs while claiming 69 wickets. Following the 2022 season, he retired from the IPL and took up the role of batting coach with the franchise.

His elevation to head coach represents a continuation of his long-standing association with Mumbai Indians, with the franchise now set to draw on his extensive experience, understanding of the team's culture and familiarity with the demands of the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar