IND v WI | IPL should not be first priority on players’ mind, says Kieron Pollard

IND v WI | IPL should not be first priority on players’ mind, says Kieron Pollard

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BCCI

Skipper Kieron Pollard reckons none of his players, who are also in the IPL auction next week, should have the IPL as the first priority in their mind. Pollard also welcomed veteran Dwayne Bravo’s announcement to come out of T20 retirement and make himself available for the World Cup next year.

With no less than 10 players going under the hammer and West Indies being right in the middle of the ODI series as the auction unfolds in Kolkata on December 19, Pollard wants his entire team to focus on the task at hand — beating India.

“Getting selected in the IPL is out of your control. What’s in your control is to go out and perform. Yes, playing in the IPL augurs well financially and experience-wise for the cricketers, but it is not something which should be at the forefront of your mind. You should have the willpower to do well every time you get a chance to play irrespective of the tournament,” Pollard said, reported TOI.

However, Pollard acknowledges that it is the West Indies team that stands to benefit if the players are selected, as the experience will help them defend their T20 title come to the World Cup next year. Pollard not only made his return to the national team as a player but was also appointed as the skipper of the limited-overs Windies side. 

“You learn a lot from the IPL. You have the best players playing. There’s no doubt about it. Some of the greatest coaches are there too. In terms of learning and adapting to different situations, it is a huge benefit. But you can be there to get that sort of knowledge only if your performances outside the IPL are at a certain level,” he said.

More good news for Pollard came a day earlier when his close friend Dwayne Bravo announced his comeback to the T20 format to help the Windies cause at the global tournament Down Under. Bravo's experience in the T20 format will be massive for the Windies side, who were left to ruins in the recently concluded T20I series against India. 

“Obviously, it’s great news for us. As players, we are pleased to have Bravo coming back into the fold. As captain, I’m happy that a player of that calibre is available for selection,” Pollard added.

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