An integral part of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years, Kieron Pollard hasn't quite come to the party as far as the ongoing season is concerned. While the likes of Andre Russell, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo have made an impact, Pollard has struggled to get going in the initial stage of the tournament.

The right-handed batsman couldn't score more than 21 runs as Mumbai succumbed to a 37-run loss in their opening match. While Mumbai bounced back in the second match with a six-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Pollard was only able to add a six-ball five to his team. The big West Indian's struggles continued in the third match where he was dismissed for a nine-ball seven against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

Twitter/@IPL

Struggling with the bat and not getting a chance to bowl, Pollard's batting slump attracted immense criticism, with the cricket pundits suggesting he should be dropped for the crucial tie against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 3rd April. But, Rohit Sharma and Mumbai's team management continued to trust Pollard and the Trinidadian didn't disappoint.

Repaying the faith of his captain, Pollard was part of a carnage that was finished by swashbuckling Hardik Pandya. While the West Indies cricketer slammed a seven-ball 17, Pandya ran riot during his eight-ball 25. The duo hammered Dwayne Bravo all around the park to score a staggering 29 runs off the final over.

That was something Impossible

Only this man can pull Something like this

The Name is Kieron Pollard ð¥#MIvCSK #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/RvwGXsxnHL

— RaijinAntony #MI ⤠(@RaijinAntony10) April 3, 2019

If his batting silenced the critics, Pollard's absolute blinder of a catch during Chennai's chase further enhanced his reputation as a key contributor to the Mumbai brigade. In the fifth over, the 31-year-old was stationed at the point boundary when Suresh Raina slapped Jason Behrendorff's length ball ferociously in his direction.

Wow ð¥ð¥ à¤à¤ लà¤à¤¾ दॠà¤à¤ à¤à¤à¤ªà¥à¤à¤² मà¥à¤ pic.twitter.com/zxlD9bGuro

— Devendra nagar ð®ð³ (@Devendr39642732) April 3, 2019

With the ball travelling at high pace, Pollard barely had any time to assess its height and realise it was going over his head. But, timing his jump to perfection, the Mumbai all-rounder produced enough airtime (something that would surely make Michael Jordan feel proud) that it allowed him to pluck the ball in thin air during an incredible one-handed effort.

While Mumbai brought an end to Chennai's three-match winning streak after an emphatic 37-run triumph, Pollard's unbelievable fielding effort earned him plaudits on the social media.

Helps to be tall! Also helps if you can catch like that! #KieronPollard

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 3, 2019

What. A.  Catch. Doubt we will see a better catch this #IPL #Pollard #MIvCSK

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 3, 2019

UNREAL CATCHING FROM THE SUPERMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/gQaOplc4RM

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 3, 2019

That's a stunner from Kieron Pollard for the season to dismiss Suresh Raina#IPL2019 #CSKvMI #MIvCSK #Pollard #Raina pic.twitter.com/aUygdVkita

— Sanjeev Thakur ð®ð³ सà¤à¤à¥à¤µ ठाà¤à¥à¤°ð© (@Sanjeev_Thakur_) April 3, 2019

Kieron Pollard - that catch deserves ðð.

— Chowkidar Sai (@sai59969230) April 3, 2019

What a catch kieron pollard,best catch in ipl 2019

— vilal khan (@vilalkh66586098) April 3, 2019

That's the difference between @ImRo45 and @imVkohli ...right man at right place ...what a catch kieron Pollard #MIvCSK

— Mohit Sakaria (@SakariaMohit) April 3, 2019

KIERON POLLARD!!! Wow ð¯ Unbelievable catch!!!!! @IPL @mipaltan @KieronPollard55

— Romano Jude Ramoo (@RomanoRamoo) April 3, 2019

Kieron Pollard What a Great Catch ððððð

— Gangadharan (@Gangadh44209167) April 3, 2019

That was something Impossible

Only this man can pull Something like this

The Name is Kieron Pollard ð¥#MIvCSK #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/RvwGXsxnHL

— RaijinAntony #MI ⤠(@RaijinAntony10) April 3, 2019