West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard will lead Mumbai Indians in the Champions League T20 competition, starting September 13 in Raipur.
Mumbai Indians’ regular skipper Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the competition because of figure and shoulder injuries and is in race against time to be fit for the forthcoming West Indies series.
Pollard, who is playing for the Mumbai-based franchise since Indian Premier League’s (IPL) third edition, is a senior member of the sqaud and was the automatic choice for captaincy.
The big all-rounder opted to play for the defending champions Mumbai Indians, despite leading his home team, Barbados Tridents to the Caribbean Premier League title recently.
“It is very unfortunate that Rohit will be unable to lead the team, and I take this opportunity to wish him a fast comeback,” Pollard said. “I truly understand that it is a huge honor and a privilege to captain the vibrant Mumbai Indians side, and thank the team management for bestowing their faith in me.”
“I am aware of the great expectations ahead of us,” he added. “However, I am confident that together, we will face the challenges, and work towards retaining the glory and the stature of the Mumbai Indians team.”
Mumbai Indians’ chief mentor Anil Kumble is also hopeful that the mighty West Indian will lead the team to glory because of his impressive track record both as a player and skipper.
“I am confident that Kieron with his varied experience and impressive track record, will rise to the occasion, and align the Mumbai Indians for a competitive performance,” Kumble said.
