TKR’s Borde: Pollard’s leadership invaluable

MANAGER of Trinbago Knight Riders Colin Borde believes Kieron Pollard’s leadership qualities will be key in helping the TT franchise win a hat-trick of titles in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

This year’s tournament, which will be the seventh edition, will be held from September 4 to October 12. Pollard will play for his home franchise for the first time in the history of the CPL. Pollard played for the Barbados Tridents from 2013 to 2017, before moving on to the St Lucia Stars last year.

“We are ecstatic. It’s been a long time in coming and all parties are happy for Kieron to be in the red, white and black again,” Borde said on the signing of Pollard.

In a press release, Venky Mysore, director of TKR said, “We are delighted to welcome Pollard back home and it’s great to continue our efforts to bring as many Trini boys home as possible. I can’t wait for the reaction of the fans when Pollard takes the field at our opening game on September 4.”

Pollard is known as one of the top leaders in the region. The hard hitting batsman is expected to add assistance to TKR captain Dwayne Bravo after leading the Tridents to the 2014 CPL title.

“There is no doubt in our minds that Kieron Pollard’s leadership will be invaluable,” Borde said. The TKR manager said because Pollard is from TT he should have little problems gelling with the team. “His close relationship with the captain, technical staff, local players, local knowledge, coupled with his vast international experience, can only enhance the dressing room and the decisions made. Dwayne Bravo is thrilled to have his old friend back in our dressing room and so is the franchise.” If TKR retain the services of players Denesh Ramdin and Brendon McCullum the team will not be short of experienced players as both players have led teams in the past.

Borde said Pollard will help the team’s quest for another title. “Each tournament, we strive to play better and more consistent cricket, as well as be better organised as an organisation. Pollard brings experience both on and off the field, so his contributions will certainly assist in our goal of defending the title again.” TKR will try to keep the core of its players when the CPL Draft is held on May 22 in London, England. The team has remained relatively unchanged with players such as Ramdin, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo, McCullum, Colin Munro and Kevon Cooper playing for TKR for a number of years.

On the upcoming draft Borde said, “As a franchise, we have always approached the team as a family unit and kept the core of players that bought into our philosophy. We will again attempt to keep as many players at home within our limitations that the draft and the options to pick would allow.”

The TKR manager knows a draft is unpredictable, but will try to choose the strongest team. “On draft day a number of scenarios will be presented and we will have to manoeuvre to get a balanced team and competitive team.”