The IPL, despite its glitz and glamour, has witnessed its fair share of fiery on-field clashes. Over the years, players from nearly every team have been involved in heated altercations, some more memorable than others. However, one player stands out for his fiery temperament: Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard.
Pollard: A Walking Storm
Kieron Pollard is a double-edged sword. His aggressive batting and powerful hitting are legendary, but they're often accompanied by on-field controversies. These ‘stormy encounters’ have earned him a reputation as one of the IPL's ‘bad boys’.
A History of Heated Exchanges
One such incident occurred in IPL 2013 when Pollard tangled with Rajasthan Royals' Shane Watson. A simple on-field argument spiraled into a full-blown dispute, with Pollard's mocking imitation of Watson igniting a major controversy.
The Pollard-Starc Showdown
The following year, Pollard's actions during a clash with RCB's Mitchell Starc further tarnished his image. The incident, which saw Starc hurl a bouncer followed by Pollard's evasive reaction, became a major talking point and remains one of Pollard's most talked-about on-field controversies.
Tensions flared between Kieron Pollard and Mitchell Starc during their IPL encounter. A verbal exchange escalated when Starc, fired up for the wicket, allegedly taunted Pollard. Pollard, refusing to back down, stepped away from the crease as Starc bowled. However, Starc proceeded to deliver the ball anyway, sparking outrage in Pollard. In a fit of anger, Pollard threw his bat in Starc's direction, transforming the field into a temporary battleground. Both players received fines for their actions – Pollard a hefty 75% of his match fee and Starc 50%. This incident became one of the most talked-about controversies involving Pollard in the IPL.
Pollard's Silent Protest
In a separate incident, Pollard found himself in hot water again, this time with the umpires. During an IPL 2015 match against RCB, he was repeatedly sledging teammate Chris Gayle. After receiving a warning for his aggressive behavior, Pollard took a unique approach to protest. He entered the field with his mouth taped shut, sparking a media frenzy and becoming a viral image.
Pollard's IPL Legacy: Beyond the Brawls
Despite these on-field controversies, Kieron Pollard's contributions to the IPL cannot be ignored. His aggressive batting style and valuable bowling skills have secured him a place as a memorable player in the league's history.
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