Knee injury forces Kieron Pollard out of Ram Slam T20

Pollard has been one of Cobras' most consistent player

Cape Cobras all-rounder Kieron Pollard’s knee injury sustained during the game against Knights on Sunday will force him to miss the rest of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge, reports ESPN Cricinfo.

The West Indian experienced discomfort in his right knee, while trying to field a ball in the game at Paarl, where his all-round exploits gave his side the win that put them just two points behind second-placed Dolphins, who have played a game more.

Cricket South Africa realease confirmed that he will go back home for treatment on Wednesday.

“We are severely disappointed about the loss of a stalwart like Kieron," Paul Adams, Cobras' coach, said. "Kieron has given his all. The fact that he went out to bat after he got injured, underlines his dedication and commitment to the team. He has been an inspiration to the whole squad.”

It was his tight spell with the ball that restricted the win-less Knights to just 140. Despite picking up the injury on the field, Pollard came out to bat and scored 23 off just 12 balls to guide his side to victory.

Pollard, who has scored over 100 runs at an average of 51.50 and picked up four wickets at a good economy rate this season, will be a huge miss for the Cobras, who were counting on the lanky all-rounder to lead them to their second-successive Ram Slam title.

Cobras’ coach also added that Pollard’s record speak more than any words do. The all-rounder is the reigning Ram Slam T20 Challenge player of the year after his exploits last season, where he picked up 14 wickets and scored 243 runs from 11 matches.

The Cobras, who have been incredibly consistent in the Ram Slam, finishing as runners-up in 2013/14, winning the tournament last year and well-placed to reach the final again this year.

Adams’ side, who are already missing several key players, who are away on national duty, including Hashim Amla, Dane Vilas and JP Duminy and two more through injury (Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander), will be hoping the rest of the team can contribute to ensure that Pollard’s absence is not felt.

The injury also means that Pollard’s participation in the Big Bash League, where he is contracted to play for Adelaide Strikers, remains a doubt.