Despite his second Man of the Match award, Pollock still wouldn’t figure in many inane head-to-head contests that are marketing tools to sell games. He neither runs in from the sightscreen, nor does he get the speedometer to go bonkers.

Pollock’s bowling style isn’t the kind that has the crowd clapping in anticipation. He bowls from a shortened run-up, and the movement of the ball is precise rather than exaggerated. His art isn’t the kind that can be easily understood and that quite explains the limited applause he gets. And finally, he isn’t even known to indulge in headline-catching mind games.

Master Congeniality

But hold a random poll in any dressing room that Pollock has been in, and the South African would win the Mr Congeniality contest hands down. Ask Bravo, who leaves after one more game. Asked if the IPL made him any wiser and he nods vigorously. “I have gained a lot of experience. I get a lot of help from other internationals in the dressing room, especially Shaun Pollock. Basically, when you have to play a particular bowler, they make me aware of how to face him. Shaun is someone I look up to. He is an all-rounder and so am I. I really appreciate being next to him. He is a fantastic guy. He has showed me about different balls in a short space of time — the slower ball, the slower bumper...” he says, losing his breath as he speaks about his latest idol.

... contd.