Kieron Pollard announced his retirement from the IPL on Tuesday, leaving massive shoes to fill for the Mumbai Indians. Pollard, who was acquired in 2010, played a key role in MI’s five league titles and two Champions League triumphs.
MI will face a difficult task in finding someone of Pollard’s caliber who can serve as a finisher while also bowling a couple of overs when needed.
1. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes’ performance in the just finished T20 World Cup final validates the notion that he is a player of major competitions. Stokes has played for Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiants. He has established himself as a superb all-rounder with 920 runs and 28 wickets. He played for Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2017 IPL, where he scored 316 runs and claimed 12 wickets. Stokes, who can help the team with both the bat and the ball, has the ability to take Pollard’s place.
2. Cameron Green
The Mumbai Indians could also sign explosive Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. In T20s, the right-handed batter has 245 runs at a strike rate of 137.64 and two fifties to his name. Green also bowls right-arm fast-medium and has taken 5 wickets in 22 T20 overs.
3. Tim David
Tim David made his IPL debut in 2021 for RCB, appearing in one game. However, in 2022, he was given the opportunity to exhibit his potential and skills by playing for MI. David, known for pitching spectacular innings in the middle of the order, might offer MI with balance in the coming season. MI could rely on him to bolster the team’s batting order in 2023.
4. Sam Curran
Sam Curran, the 24-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder who has already achieved a lot in his career, will be a target for many teams after his sensational T20 World Cup 2022 tournament, where he unlocked himself as England’s death bowler. Curran is the ideal long-term replacement for Pollard.
5. Jason Holder
A seam-bowling all-rounder with lower-order hitting ability – it is still a surprise that Lucknow Super Giants released their 8.75 crore bid for Jason Holder, however other franchises would be glad to have Holder in the auction. The former West Indies captain may be an excellent replacement for Pollard.
