Fans in India are giving him hero-like status. Kieron Pollard, the burly ball beater from T&T, has captured the imagination of a cricket mad country and fans are likening him to Sir Viv Richards. However, Polly, as he is affectionately known by his team mates, will have none of it. “I think that comparison is a bit premature, to tell you the truth, he said.” “I have been enjoying a good period with the bat during this tournament and I am the first to tell you that I am not in that company just yet.” Pollard made headlines after his 18-ball epic against New South Wales, Brett Lee and all.

He cracked an imperious 54 that had the fans in awe of his amazing power. The grounds in India are not small but Pollard seems to bring in the boundary ropes, everytime he goes out there to bat. The Queen’s Park Cricket Club player says he just loves hitting the ball hard and far. “I love to strike the ball hard and as a result once I get it good, the ball goes far away,” he said. “This is very pleasing to me and I would continue to play in that mode irregardless.” Pollard, however, believes that the attention he is receiving should really go to his team. “As a team, T&T has really played great cricket in India and I think we have earned respect the world over, from our exploits.

“By no means it has been a one man show, we have all come together to do our part in this tournament, with the result being very good for our country. We are striving to reach our best in this tournament and win the title, he said. “We have some very difficult games coming up but we are backing ourselves to go the full distance and become the first Champions League winners.” Pollard’s heroics with the bat have already caught attention of scouts and two have already set up meetings with the management of the T&T team, as they are interested in signing him for lucrative IPL contracts. Whatever the outcome, Pollard will be in full force, striking them far.