IPL 2021: Kieron Pollard's success mantra vs CSK - Stay calm, hit ball

Kieron Pollard of Mumbai Indians hitting a over boundary during match 27 of the Vivo Indian Premier League between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Pic/PTI

Keeping calm in high-pressure situations is not easy, but often, it can be the difference between success and failure. Mumbai Indians' (MI) big-hitter Kieron Pollard proved this against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday.

Pollard's unbeaten 87 off just 34 balls (6x4, 8x6) saw MI chase CSK's massive total of 218-4 and register a last-ball victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

All in the mind

"There are a lot of different things that go through your mind, but it's a matter of trying to keep calm as much as possible in the situation, and trying to make contact with that ball," Pollard said at the post-match virtual press conference after MI's thrilling four-wicket victory.

MI had already lost their top three batsmen half-way through the chase with just 81 runs on the board when Pollard came to the crease.

And while the West Indian executed some big shots, he also ran hard between the wickets, keeping an eye on the asking rate throughout.

Killer Kieron

Pollard hit three sixes against CSK's left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (1-29) in the 13th over and hammered pacer Shardul Thakur for four boundaries and a six in the 15th.

These were calculated risks, he said. "The equation is on the board. The required run-rate is there for you to see and it's a matter of you trying to pick which bowlers you are more comfortable to hit and who is the best bowler on the day and trying to maneuver that," added Pollard.

With 16 needed for victory off the last over, Pollard hit CSK's pace ace Lungi Ngidi (0-62) for two boundaries and a six and took two runs off the last ball to register a famous win for MI.