New bat rules no worry for big-hitting Pollard
New dimensions for cricket bats will come into effect from October 1 along with modifications to the game’s laws made by the Marylebone Cricket Club. Bats will get smaller and lighter with restrictions on the depth (67mm) and edges (40mm).
While many big-hitters are expected to feel hard done by, Mumbai Indians’ star batsman Kieron Pollard is unperturbed. The Trinidadian feels there is plenty of time to get used to the new bat dimensions.
“It comes into effect in October. It makes sense for me to change bats and get accustomed till October. We have started getting used to the new laws and new customs,” Pollard told reporters at the launch of a new series of bats titled KP55, named after Kieron Pollard and his MI jersey number 55. Already making switch Pollard said he didn’t have a problem since the bat he prefers is almost within the new regulations, and because he has already made the switch over the last few games.
“For me, it (new regulations) doesn’t make a difference. You know, as the man behind the bat, you have to swing and use your power.
“It is for people in authority to make rules and regulations. We as cricketers, we just have to follow. It’s simple as that,” he added. Pollard’s early performances in the 2017 season of the Indian Premier League left a lot to be desired, but he has turned on the style in his last two games.
His 23-ball 39 against Gujarat Lions on Sunday was peppered with three sixes and two boundaries as Mumbai Indians won by six wickets to briefly top the IPL table. His previous innings — a 47-ball 70 against Royal Challengers Bangalore last week — also saw him smashing five sixes and three fours as Mumbai Indians won by four wickets.
Pollard feels the weight of the bat won’t affect him, but a power-hitter could be thrown off by a restriction in weight as it can affect his swing.
“For me, it (the weight of the bat) is not that important. With the size, sometimes you want to feel like you have something in your hand, nothing too light. Being a strong guy, you don’t want to swing too early and stuff like that,” he said.
Pollard is known to add balance to a team because of his ability with the bat, ball and as a fielder.
Those full-length dives across the boundary rope are a big hit with the crowds. Pollard feels the difference between a good fielder and an average one is mentality and desire.
When asked what makes him a good fielder, he said: “Practice. But being from the Caribbean as well, we are pretty athletic. So, it’s just about having that attitude to want to field and want to dive around to do certain things. Fielding is an attitude.”