Kieron Pollard retires, reflects on international career in heartfelt note: Some teammates say I am a taskmaster
India Today
West Indies star Kieron Pollard reflected on his international career in a heartfelt post after announcing his retirement on Wednesday. Pollard said his biggest honor was the opportunity to lead the West Indies since 2019.
West Indies star Kieron Pollard said on Wednesday reflected on his 15-year-long international career after announcing his retirement. After bringing down the curtains on an atopy-turvy ride at the highest level, Pollard took to social media and shared his emotions. The 34-year-old had led West Indies in ODIs and T20Is, a decade after he made his debut under his ‘idol’ Brain Lara in 2007.
Despite not playing a single Test, Pollard was a celebrated white-ball specialist for the West Indies. Pollard played 123 ODIs, scoring 2706 runs and picking up 55 wickets. He was one of their finest T20I batters, having scored 1568 runs in 101 matches at a strike rate of 135.14. Pollard last played in India in February 2022.
He took over as West Indies captain in ODIs and T20Is after the 2019 World Cup and produced some impressive results. Despite heading to last year's T20 World Cup as one of the favourites, West Indies, under Pollard, were not able to live up to the expectations as they crashed out in the group stages.
Pollard led West Indies to a memorable victory over England at home in a T20I series earlier this year despite rumours of rift in the camp. Cricket West Indies dismissed the rumours as malicious attack on the skipper and Pollard went on to lead West Indies on their tour of India, which was his last international assignment.
"In 2019 I was asked by Cricket West Indies to lead both the T20I and ODI West Indies teams, which to date is the highest honour bestowed on me and for which I will forever be grateful. As Captain I believe that I have led with passion, openness, courage and everything I could ever possibly give both on and off the field without ever compromising my principles and integrity," Pollard said in a note on social media, announcing his retirement.
"I know some of my teammates believe that I am a hard taskmaster and I like to see things done professionally and that is true, but I also believe in being selfless and creating the environment for individuals and teams to succeed.
"Respect for my teammates has been a guiding principle of mind and in turn I have always felt that reciprocated. This made my job all the over the years, both as a player and as captain, and wish each of them continued success in the years ahead."
