Kieron Pollard will finally wear the colours of the Super Kings family. Joburg Super Kings have signed the Mumbai Indians legend for R1.5 million at the SA20 2027 player auction, bringing together Pollard and the Super Kings brand in a move that carries plenty of history.
The interesting part was that there was no bidding for Pollard by MI. When his name came up at the auction, JSK were the only franchise to raise the paddle and secured him at his base price of R1.5 million.
For a player who has been strongly associated with the MI family for so many years, seeing Pollard playing for the Super Kings family will be something completely different for cricket fans.
Kieron Pollard and the Super Kings Story Goes Back to 2010
The connection becomes even more interesting when we go back to the IPL 2010 auction.
Pollard was one of the most wanted players at that auction following his performances in T20 cricket. Multiple franchises were interested in him, including Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Eventually, Mumbai Indians won the battle to sign Pollard, and the rest became history.
Pollard developed into one of the greatest players in Mumbai Indians’ history. He became a key part of their middle order and played several match-winning innings during their most successful years.
His power-hitting, ability to finish games and usefulness with the ball made him one of MI’s most important players.
Pollard’s Incredible Relationship With Mumbai Indians
Pollard’s relationship with Mumbai Indians went far beyond a normal player-franchise association.
He represented Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career. When his playing career with MI came to an end, he did not move to another IPL franchise. Instead, he retired from the IPL and remained with Mumbai Indians as part of their coaching setup.
His association also extended to other teams under the MI umbrella, including MI Cape Town.
That is why his move to Joburg Super Kings feels so unusual.
MI Cape Town released Pollard ahead of SA20 2027 and did not bring him back at the auction. JSK then grabbed the opportunity and signed the experienced West Indian all-rounder at his base price.
Sixteen years after CSK missed out on Pollard at the IPL auction, a Super Kings franchise has finally got him.
Kieron Pollard Joins Joburg Super Kings for R1.5 Million
At 39, Pollard still brings enormous T20 experience.
He has played franchise cricket around the world and knows exactly how to handle pressure situations. JSK can use him as a powerful lower-middle-order batter, while his experience can also be valuable to the younger players in the squad.
The move also adds another interesting chapter to the long MI-Super Kings rivalry.
For years, fans have seen Pollard as one of the faces of the MI family. In SA20 2027, they will now see him representing the Super Kings family.
Joburg Super Kings Players Bought at SA20 2027 Auction
JSK entered the auction with the biggest remaining purse and six available auction slots. They used those slots to strengthen almost every area of their squad.
Faf du Plessis — R2.7 million
JSK brought their former captain back after initially releasing him ahead of the auction. Faf’s return gives the side an experienced top-order batter and a player who already knows the franchise extremely well.
Jason Rowles — R2.9 million
Rowles became JSK’s most expensive purchase of the auction at R2.9 million.
Kieron Pollard — R1.5 million
The biggest name among JSK’s new additions. Pollard was secured at his base price after JSK were the only team to bid for him.
Andries Gous — R1 million
The USA wicketkeeper-batter gives JSK another attacking batting option and additional wicketkeeping depth.
Blessing Muzarabani — R500,000
The Zimbabwe fast bowler adds pace, bounce and international experience to JSK’s bowling attack.
Dayyaan Galiem — R375,000
The South African all-rounder was another useful addition and gives JSK more balance and depth.
Joburg Super Kings Full Squad for SA20 2027
Following the auction, the JSK squad stands as:
Batters/Wicketkeepers:
Faf du Plessis
Rilee Rossouw
James Vince
Leus du Plooy
Andries Gous
Jarren Bacher
Matthew de Villiers
Jason Rowles
All-rounders:
Kieron Pollard
Jason Holder
Donovan Ferreira
Dayyaan Galiem
Dian Forrester
Duan Jansen
Janco Smit
Bowlers:
Akeal Hosein
Blessing Muzarabani
Prenelan Subrayen
JSK have therefore assembled a squad containing some extremely experienced T20 names.
Faf du Plessis, Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, James Vince, Akeal Hosein, Rilee Rossouw and Blessing Muzarabani give them a strong experienced core, while several younger South African players provide depth.
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