Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons to use experience of playing in IPL to West Indies' advantage
West Indies may be the visiting side, but they are in a familiar territory. Many of their players have played, or are playing, for various franchises in the Indian Premier League and know the Indian players and the conditions like the back of their hand.
Like Mumbai Indians' star Kieron Pollard and their opening sensation Lendl Simmons. The duo are part of a confident bunch of West Indians who are keen to take on the Indians in the ODI series starting next week.
India may have a better record over the Caribbeans in recent years, but Pollard believed they will have the advantage since they know the conditions.
"It will be a keenly-contested series. We have won a couple of games here before and are looking forward to the series," Pollard said in an open media session here at the CCI on Thursday.
Pollard revealed that his experience of playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL will come handy during the series. "It will give an advantage. I know the wickets in India and will try to adjust my game as per the situation and pass on the knowledge to my teammates. The guys have also played in the IPL, so they will have a good idea of what is going on," the 27-year-old all-rounder said.
Simmons seconded Pollard. "It has been a great experience playing in IPL. Luckily for me, I have played in India. I know what they bowl, have an idea and am prepared for the challenge," the right-handed opener said.
On knowing Team India's strengths, Pollard said: "I would say we have the insight about them and won't rather go blindly by the conditions. We have played them in the past in CLT20 and IPL. We both know each other's strengths and weaknesses. It will be a keen contest."
West Indies have not delivered consistent results against India, but Pollard said they will do it this time. "What we will try to do different, we will try to win. We just haven't played consistent cricket as a team and it is something that we want to try upon. We have got about 10 or 12 games before the World Cup, so it is something we are looking forward to. We will use these games as preparation so that you try to get into that winning mentality, try to put all the pieces of the puzzles together and see what is the best that can happen. Once you give your all, it sometimes doesn't reflect that but you take good with the bad and just try to bounce back."
For Simmons this will be an important tour on personal front, too. "It's important leading up to the World Cup and we also have the Test series coming up. I need to build a good foundation and be in good form so that I have less pressure when I go to the World Cup. India are a good team, but we will take one step at a time and win the series," said Simmons.
The 29-year-old Trinidadian added he's enjoying his stint as an opener. "It gives me an opportunity to express myself. I have been playing for the West Indies for quite a while now. I will be more relaxed once I've settled down in the team and can express myself more," he said.
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