During the match, one incident grabbed maximum eyeballs involving Mumbai all-rounder Kieron Pollard. It all happened in the final over of MI, bowled by Mohammad Shami. On the second ball of the over, Pollard, who was at the non-strikers’ end, spotted leaving his crease even before Shami had released the ball.
It was more surprising as Pollard himself was seen giving a ‘mankading’ warning to Shikhar Dhawan in the clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). The incident took place in the 10th over of the DC innings when Pollard had stopped his bowling action and was spotted signalling to Dhawan to return to the crease.
Meanwhile, when Pollard did the same thing, former India cricketer and presently the commentator Murali Kartik criticised Pollard’sPollard’s action demanding penalty of runs for such things.
Netizens, too, did not look happy with Pollard’sPollard’s tactics as they lambasted the Windies superstar for not showing the ‘spirit of cricket’.
Here is how netizens reacted:
Kieron Pollard started running even before the ball was released from Mohammad Shami's hand. pic.twitter.com/dfzUXzN9x6
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 23, 2021
Kieron Pollard started running even before the ball was released from Mohammad Shami's hand.#PBKSvMI#RohitBirthdayCDP pic.twitter.com/9Zr1KWufVm
— THOMAS SHELBY ? (@rohithcool5) April 23, 2021
Pollard backing up again on Shami. Commentator wants more than a warning, wants penalty runs. #IPL2021 #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/odRtaqeoK1
— Paul Watson (@paulmwatson) April 23, 2021
If only people didn't Character Assassinated Ravi Ashwin when he did, other players wouldn't hesitate to do it too.
Experienced Player like Pollard don't know what they are doing ? You want warning for this ? He knows they can't run me out, so lets take the benefit. https://t.co/blW8iShcwH
— Andy. (@WeBleedBlue007) April 23, 2021
Kieron Pollard started running even before the ball was released from Mohammad Shami's hand. pic.twitter.com/JkTitVRddt
— Abhishek Swain?????????? (@Abhishe44284150) April 23, 2021
Pollard backing up again on Shami. Commentator wants more than a warning, wants penalty runs. #IPL2021 #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/odRtaqeoK1
— Paul Watson (@paulmwatson) April 23, 2021
Batsman started running even before Bowler released the ball.
Is this is not against "Spirit of the game" ??#IPL2021 || #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/QlLUcb9R7l
— Abhi. (@Abhicricket18) April 23, 2021
During the match, Pollard stayed unbeaten on 16 runs as MI posted 131/6 in their allotted 20 overs. For the five-time winners, Rohit Sharma shined with the bat as he scored 63 off 52 balls with five fours and a couple of sixes.
In reply, Punjab easily chased down the target with nine wickets in hand. Captain Rahul scored an unbeaten 60 while Chris Gayle added a valuable 43 not out off 35 balls.
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