Mumbai Indians beat Kings XI Punjab by 3 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday to make it three consecutive wins in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. The hosts had to chase a target of 198 and did so after stand-in skipper Kieron Pollard played a captain’s knock and led from the front. He scored a match-winning 83 from just 31 balls and spoke of the need to keep calm in pressure situations.

“For me it was more important that we won the game and I was able to stay calm under pressure. Obviously, I did not finish off the game which I actually wanted to do but that is why it is a team sport and the guys really rallied on. I think Alzarri (Joseph) kept a calm head at the backend as well. He got a couple overs in the game coming on after that splendid spell (in Hyderabad) and then keeping that calm head in the end. I think that was good that is why it is a team sport,” Pollard told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Pollard then elaborated on how all boys played a role in the win. “We thought we would restrict them to 180 but in the last two or three overs, we were not able to execute according to the plan. The good thing is we knew what we had to go out and chase. I think the guys went out and did pretty well, we got a good start, 50 runs in the power play… well done to the boys. A very good batting track, some people complaining about tracks but this one was good for batting, I thought it was brilliant. The guys showed their mentality,” he said.

When asked if he ever thought getting to the target would be impossible at any stage, Pollard said: “Impossible when you break it down, it is ‘I-M-Possible’ and anything is possible, you know. Especially when you have power-hitters like Krunal (Pandya), you have Hardik (Pandya), count myself as well. When I actually saw we needed 94 off 48 or 94 off 54, I thought it was right in our reach, we just had to get two big overs. We got those two big overs, we had a couple bowlers there who we had to target and it worked well for us. You are not going to chase 198 or 190 every day but you know we did it tonight. Much needed two points for us.”

The powerful Trinidadian also discussed maximizing his talent every time he steps on to the field ahead of the World Cup. “Every day I get an opportunity to play and I want to do my best.  What you have seen in the last couple of days there is a change. Every time I step on the cricket field and try to put runs on the board. Some people have the job to select and let’s see how that goes. I’m 31 and still playing. Chris Gayle is 39 and still playing and still hitting them out of the park. There are new selectors and we have to take it as it comes. For me it is all about doing my best and making the most of my god given talent,” Pollard explained.

Shortly after the game, Pollard dedicated his match-winning knock to his family and son Kaiden, who was in attendance at the Wankhede Stadium to cheer on his dad. “Obviously, he flew halfway across the world. I've been home for two days in the entire year. It has been difficult for us but having said that he came. Mom and Jenna can't travel so this is for them as well because it's Jenna's birthday. So again, Happy Birthday,” Pollard told MITV.