Kieron Pollard gets motivated when people criticise him

Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has played one of the main roles in Mumbai Indians' (MI) road to the Indian Premier League (IPL) finals. His consistent performance down the order has helped MI to post and chase good totals.

He played a crucial part in building the innings against the Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier of the IPL. His 17 balls 41 runs which included 5 sixes helped Mumbai set a decent target to defend.

When asked about what motivates him in an after match interview by Times of India, he replied that criticism motivates me and makes me strong.

"A lot of people say a lot of things. I look for motivation and lot of people said before the tournament Pollard is a spent force, Pollard is this Pollard is that, Pollard is done. It's not about proving them wrong. I know myself what I can do and quietly I have been able to be consistent for the team, whichever the situation it is.

"I have been targeted again by the umpires as well, but I am just staying quiet, just trying to do my bits quietly. I hope at the end of the day it's enough for Mumbai to take that trophy."

The Jamaican was asked that will playing IPL final in Kolkata be an advantage for MI as they have won the title there in 2013, he said hopefully we will relive those memories again.

"We won in 2013, it's two years on and some things are totally different. We have a new team, hunger is different, but hopefully we can relive those memories. There's still a process to go in order to get that trophy. We still have to play a good game of cricket, still have to practice well and prepare well."

Pollard has hit 25 sixes in this season of IPL so far and he is the second on the players with most sixes list. Only Chris Gayle (35) has hit more sixes than in the ongoing T20 tournament.