Right-handed batsman Yadav, 30, smashed a decisive 79no from 43 balls including 10 fours and three sixes in guide Mumbai Indians to a five-wicket win with five balls remaining against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their top-of-the-table clash in Abu Dhabi.
RCB had posted 6-164 after Pollard sent them in to bat, with Devdutt Padikkal top scoring with 74 while Virat Kohli only managed 9 and AB de Villiers was dismissed by Pollard for 15. Jasprit Bumrah took a sensational 3-14 from his four overs.
Mumbai lost Quinton de Kock (18) and Ishan Kishan (25) inside the opening eight overs before Yadav took control, albeit without any reliable support.
“Imagine someone batting at that strike rate after two early wickets,” Pollard said.
“Deep down inside he must be very very disappointed to not have donned the blue for India. He just keeps getting better.
“Again as an individual if you keep staying consistent, you will be rewarded. Nothing happens before its time.”
Yadav has now amassed 362 runs from 11 knocks in the 2020 IPL, with an average of 40.22 and a strike rate over 150.
“I have been loving the No. 3 position, but I wanted to finish off the game, which is why I am glad with this effort,” Yadav said.
Meanwhile the result leaves RCB second with a 7-5 record, while Mumbai are top at 8-4, with a play-offs berth practically secured. The two sides will likely meet again in the play-offs.
RCB captain Kohli said: “They bowled good channels, and kept us 20 short of a par total. We still gave them a good fight… The game was tight, but I think they batted that phase well.”