CHENNAI, India, IANS/CMC – Century-maker Kieron Pollard said Sunday West Indies lacked the killer instinct, after he failed in his bid to help them win the fifth and final One-Day International here yesterday.
The big-hitting right-hander was virtually inconsolable after his maiden One-day century, 119, proved in vain as the West Indies went down to India by 34 runs.
“We had a chance in the first couple of games. It’s just the mental aspect or killer instinct,” said Pollard who holed out to long-off to be last out as West Indies were dismissed for 233 in pursuit of 268 for victory.
“Past West Indian sides had it, then the Aussies had it and now India is doing really well. Hopefully, we will be better equipped mentally to handle close finishes in future.”
After being dismissed, Pollard sat on his haunches at the wicket for a while as the Indian players tried to console him.
His explosive innings contained as many as four fours and 10 sixes and required a mere 110 balls.
Earlier, he had almost failed to celebrate his first international century when Virat Kohli dropped a sitter at long-off when he was 99. The ball subsequently crossed the ropes to take Pollard to his landmark.
“I hope [to be consistent]. Thank God I got my maiden hundred. I wanted the team to win, but that didn’t happen today. I just have to go back and reflect on what went wrong,” Pollard told reporters.
“The first couple of games were really close. Hopefully, we will take a couple of months off international cricket and reflect and come back strong for Australia.”
On his scoring the century, Pollard said: “I was looking for a different approach. I had a couple of starts in the earlier matches. Thank God that one of the best fielders in India (Kohli) dropped me on 99 tonight.
“I have to be positive. I have to look for singles, but when the ball is in your arc, go for it. Hopefully, I will learn from this and do well for West Indies cricket and for myself.”
