Neesham says he doesn't like the mark in an interview, but thanks Pollard for his achievements in T20 cricket. Since 2010, Pollard has become a mainstay for the Mumbai Indians, accumulating more than 3000 runs and 15 half-centuries. He recently became only the third cricketer in international history to hit six sixes in an over, accomplishing the feat in a T20 match against Sri Lanka. Pollard will be the first name on Neesham's T20 XI, according to him.
Jimmy Neesham, a New Zealand all-rounder, will play for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 after the five-time champions paid 50 lakh for him. In the presence of Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and most notably, West Indies' Kieron Pollard, Neesham, who previously represented Delhi Capitals in 2014 and Punjab Kings more recently last year, has seen talk of him being the 'back-up' all-rounder choice.
On the Grade Cricketer Podcast, Neesham said, "There’s no shame in being a back up to Kieron Pollard. I think in the world of T20 cricket, I would draft him first if I have to make my own team. He’s an unbelievable hitter. I think we’ve seen that. He’s played some 500 T20s, a record that’s unbelievable."
Neesham made just five appearances for Punjab Kings last season, making 19 runs and taking three wickets. Neesham recognizes that opportunities could be small this year, but he is prepared to give it his all in whatever opportunities are presented to him.
The all-rounder from New Zealand went on to say, "I’m not grumpy as being described a back-up but I think it’s important in the IPL that you contribute any way you can even if you’re not on the playing field. I wouldn’t say that’s why I was picked up though. It doesn’t matter if you play one game, two games or 12, at the end of the day it’s about helping the team win."
In his T20 XI, James Neesham will start with Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder.
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