[WATCH] IPL 2025: Kieron Pollard's MI legacy ignites fan nostalgia and hot debate

Mumbai Indians featured a social media video that showed Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard turning back the clock with a thunderous net session at Wankhede Stadium, unleashing his trademark sixes. The caption reads, "Kuch nahi badla yaar, aaj bhi sab kuch waise ka waisa hi hai" (Nothing has changed, friend... even today, everything feels the same). A nostalgic tribute to Kieron Pollard marks this post ahead of a Sunrisers Hyderabad game in the IPL 2025 season. The video shows Pollard playing for Mumbai Indians after a retirement from IPL games during his thirteen-year career.

Since 2010, West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has been a vital pillar of the Mumbai Indians, playing a key role in their five IPL title wins and two Champions League triumphs. Fans were drawn to his explosive right-handed batting and handy right-arm medium pace, which often turned matches in MI’s favor, especially with his dominance against spinners. After retiring from the IPL, Pollard transitioned into the role of batting coach for Mumbai Indians while continuing to represent MI Emirates in franchise cricket. However, the team is still searching for a player who can replicate the game-changing influence Pollard consistently brought to the field.

This video stirred both nostalgic feelings and disapproval as viewers watched it. Several supporters showed their desire for Pollard to be on the pitch as one fan recollected his memorable swats and multiple fans questioned Mumbai Indians' leadership about forcing Pollard into retirement. Critics argued that Pollard maintained his active cricket career in alternative leagues and should have kept playing just like MS Dhoni, who still represents Chennai Super Kings. A number of viewers blamed the team's inability to discover another player with such finishing capabilities as the reason for Pollard's departure, which contributed to their IPL underperformance.

Watch the video

𝘒𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘪 𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘢 𝘺𝘢𝘢𝘳... 𝘢𝘢𝘫 𝘣𝘩𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘣 𝘬𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘢 𝘩𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘪! 💙🥺#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #MIvSRH pic.twitter.com/lYJViyoa9Z

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 16, 2025

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A Legacy That Endures

The debates about his impact do not diminish the substantial influence that Pollard has left on the Mumbai Indians. Through his 13-year career, Pollard cemented his position as both a global T20 legend and a dedicated owner who spent his entire time in the IPL playing exclusively for the Mumbai Indians. Fans still treasure his contributions, evident in their emotional responses to the nostalgic video.

Hooking up as batting coach represents a ray of hope for Mumbai Indians, who face their present difficulties. His experience and expertise provide valuable leadership to the next team generation, so his influence on the team stays strong even though his career ends. This maintains the MI legacy of "Once an MI, always an MI."