New Delhi: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels it will be a 'difficult decision' for five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians (MI) to release T20 legend and former Windies cricketer Kieron Pollard ahead of the IPL mini-auction, set to be held in Kochi on December 23. Mumbai Indians acquired Kieron Pollard in 2009 IPL auction and retained him for INR 6 crore in IPL 2022 mega auction. The hard-hitting all-rounder established himself as one of the finest players in the format, playing a key role in helping Mumbai become five-time IPL winners. Pollard failed to maintain his dominance in IPL 2022. He was benched for three games in the previous IPL season. Sadly, MI ended their IPL 2022 campaign at the bottom of the points table.
Pollard has retired from international cricket and his future at Mumbai Indians (MI) is in doubt. Asserting that MI should build a squad for future, Harbhajan Singh said the franchise will be targeting Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the IPL 2023 mini auction.
"Well, I think it's going to be very difficult for Mumbai Indians to release Kieron Pollard. He's been there for many years. But yes, there are times when you have to take few tough calls and maybe this is the time. They have to move forward and make a team for the next 4-5 years and try to find someone who can do what Pollard has done over the years," said Harbhajan on Star Sports.
"Yes, they have Tim David, who can do a similar sort of job and of course, there is another Australian in the auction that is Cameroon Green. I think they will be eyeing him to be part of the Mumbai set-up. Of course, it's going to be a tough call, but at some stage, you have to take those calls," he added.
The deadline set for all 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to announce their list of released and retained players for the 16th season (IPL 2023) will end on November 15, Tuesday. Ahead of the auction, BCCI has asked all the franchises to provide the list of retained and released players by Tuesday.