It was a historic moment for Kieron Pollard as he stepped out on the field for the game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This was his 150th match appearance for Mumbai Indians in Dream11 IPL.

The 33-year old became the first MI cricketer to reach that landmark. It was back in 2010 when the all-rounder from Trinidad and Tobago played his debut game for the MI Blue and Gold after fetching the highest price in the auction.

Since his first season, he garnished the impression of a pinch-hitter who was capable of changing the game in a few balls and is also a handy bowler and an athletic fielder. 2786 runs at a strike rate of 146.78, 57 wickets and 83 catches later, Pollard continues to live upto his reputation.

On the occasion, Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene, Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan, Captain Rohit Sharma and his teammates Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya heaped praise on the all-rounder. Right from being a team man to having a great influence in the dressing room, here’s what everyone had to say on Pollard:

Polly is a senior pro, who leads by example

Mahela Jayawardene: “Polly is someone that everyone looks up to. He plays with a lot of passion and you see that with him whichever franchise he plays for but he has that soft spot for MI being here for a long time. A senior pro, who leads by example and if you see his contribution, he plays a very tough role for us on the playing field. It’s not an easy job when you have to change the game in those few overs, which he has done many times.”

He has always stood up when the team required him

Rohit Sharma: “He’s done some spectacular things on the field for us. I clearly remember the 2013 final and the 2019 final. Pollard’s knock was very crucial to us getting to that competitive score and he’s always been a team man, always stood up when the team required him. He’s a very important cog in the wheel.”

He has always been there to help and guide us

Hardik Pandya: “I think he might be the only cricketer who might play 200 IPL games as well. He still has a good 4-5 years in him and he’s just a fantastic guy. He's always been there to help and guide us. We’ve had more relations as brothers, where we celebrate the wins and we enjoy our losses as well.”

Pollard’s been a big match-winner for us

Krunal Pandya: “A guy who keeps the atmosphere lively in the dressing room. He’s been a big match winner for us.  I guess the ability to go out there and to win single-handedly and he has done that. He’s a complete team man.”

He is a great influence around the team as well

Zaheer Khan: “Pollard is a very passionate cricketer, someone who has started his journey of IPL with Mumbai Indians and became a very cohesive part of the family and the franchise. He’s someone who is always going to play a very vital role, just keeping everyone motivated. He has that passion and that drive towards the game, which brings out the best not only in himself but he’s a great influence around the team as well.”

Pollard brings up a different kind of energy

Jasprit Bumrah: “Pollard brings a different kind of energy. He’s always supportive as soon as things aren’t going well. He’ll take the leadership role as well, come up and chip in with a few ideas. He will try to keep the atmosphere light and help the young players. So it's been very good with him. It's good that the journey continues and hopefully, he plays a lot more cricket.”