Video: Kieron Pollard Reveals How Suryakumar Yadav Felt After Non-selection in Team India 

The big game yesterday between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has led Kieron Pollard and squad to become the first team to qualify for IPL 2020 playoffs.

They played a fantastic match by beating RCB by five wickets in Abu Dhabi. It was MI's fifth victory after being defeated from an eight-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the same venue few days back. 

Talking about the match, Pollard won the toss and chose to field while RCB's Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Philippe got the team off to a flying start. The Royal Challengers finished the game with 164 only as Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers could not do much on the field.

Coming to MI's innings, Quinton De Kock and Ishan Kishan added 37 for the opening wicket in 5.3 overs after which it was Suryakumar Yadav who stole the limelight. Not forgetting, Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, and Hardik Pandya also contributed to the celebration. 

Suryakumar, was the match winner of the game, in 43 balls, the right-handed batsman remained unbeaten at 79 with ten fours and three sixes. He also hit the winning runs to take the defending champions to the playoffs.

Post the match, Pollard spoke about how he took a gamble by bowling to AB De Villiers during the match. Pollard was all in praise for Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav. He also empathised with Yadav, for not having a call-up to the national team despite his impressive run with the bat. 

“I am big on match-ups in a way. I also watch a lot of cricket. I took a punt and bowled at AB. I could have waited for the last over but if someone has to go for runs I thought I’d take it. Bumrah continues to keep standing up throughout the tournament. But again we have been playing total team cricket. Somebody is always there to pick up the slack," Pollard said post match.

"Imagine someone batting at that strike rate after two early wickets. Deep down inside he must be very very disappointed to not have donned the blue for India. He just keeps getting better. Again as an individual if you keep staying consistent, you will be rewarded. Nothing happens before its time. There is discussion around my batting position, I would love to be up there, taking the runs and hitting the runs, but we have to do what is the best for the team,” Pollard added in the post-match presentation.  

Watch the video below: