Kieron Pollard, legendary West Indian cricketer, announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday but will continue to play T20 cricket. Pollard is an essential member of the Mumbai Indians side in the Indian Premier League, with his statistics demonstrating his importance in the shortest version of the game (IPL).

However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, on the other hand, does not believe he should be.

Pollard has yet to achieve top form in the IPL 2022 season. In six matches for Mumbai this season, he has a total of 82 runs at an average of 16.40. Pollard has only taken one wicket with the ball, at an average of 70 and an economy rate of 10.

"I don't know whether Mumbai Indians ever think of Pollard being dispensable. But I believe that Pollard has to bowl at least three overs if not four because the team needs a bowler desperately. I think under pressure he is better than a lot of bowlers on this side. So if he is not bowling and continuing only to bat finally, I think they got to look at the scores and the contributions of Pollard," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo

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Pollard's former international teammate Carlos Brathwaite also questioned his former captain's status in MI's starting XI, citing his below-par performances so far this season.

"For the first time in a couple of seasons, I will probably say yes. But Pollard brings so much to Mumbai Indians. He is a stalwart of the franchise and he will get a long rope as usual. But he needs to start performing very soon because the team is not winning," said the Windies all-rounder.

This season, some of Mumbai Indians' best batsmen, including skipper Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard, have fallen short of expectations. A loss to Chennai Super Kings in what can only be described as a 'must-win' game could spell the end of MI's chances of making the playoffs this season.

(With Times Now inputs)