The Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years has seen a healthy rivalry between two of the most successful franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have won the trophy five times each. Kieron Pollard, who is the homeboy of MI and plays for nearly every MI franchise across the world, has joined Joburg Super Kings in SA20.

Kieron Pollard joined MI back in 2010, and he never left the franchise and has been a fan favourite for the team. He has been loved by everyone. As the years have passed, he has retired from the IPL but still sticks with the franchise as he plays in other leagues and has also been announced as the new head coach of the franchise.

"He ended up playing for them": Dinesh Karthik on Kieron Pollard joining JSK

Amidst all this, he joined JSK, the arch-rivals of the MI franchise for the SA20, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach Dinesh Karthik has shared his insights on the same. He believes that the joining of Pollard to JSK is an intriguing development, as the player has played for different franchises where the MI franchise has not been a part.

Karthik said via Cricbuzz, "It's fair to say MI and CSK have been rivals for a long, long time and a very healthy rivalry as well. Now, we haven't seen Pollard play for any other franchisee, wherever MI has been. In CPL, he plays for the Knight Riders and in other leagues where MI is not part of, he ended up playing for them."

"But in this league, it's the first time that MI is part of SA20 and they have released him. But he wanted to play in the SA20, hence put his name in the auction and lo and behold, CSK or rather JSK have taken him and why not?"

"He was shocked": Dinesh Karthik on Albie Morkel's reaction to Kieron Pollard being released to auction

Karthik also stated that Albie Morkel was himself shocked that MI Cape Town released Pollard for the auction, and they took the chance and picked him. Pollard has won five titles with MI and has scored over 3,000 runs in the IPL.

He further added, "Whatever be the situation. Albie Morkel said he was shocked, first of all, to see Pollard's name in it. And then eventually, when you have a name like that and mind you, he's batting as well as he has ever batted."

Dinesh Karthik warns JSK of Kieron Pollard pulling out

However, questions remain over whether Kieron Pollard will sacrifice his JSK contract now that he is associated with MI as a coach. He could choose not to play for JSK, as the former West Indies batter may also decide to fulfil his commitment, making the situation one to watch.

Karthik added, "So why not have him in the team? It's a decision whether he would still want to play for JSK. I won't be surprised if he decides that now that I'm coach of MI, probably not. Or he could go ahead and honour the contract that he has put his name into in the auction. So it's a very intriguing, interesting situation. Time will tell, but I won't be surprised."