West Indies powerhouse Nicholas Pooran was on Thursday named the deputy of KL Rahul for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He takes over the role from former vice-captain Krunal Pandya. The Lucknow franchise announced on X, where Rahul can be seen handing over the jersey to his deputy.
Lucknow Super Giants captioned the picture as “KL Rahul (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc). This season feels special already”.
KL Rahul (C)
Nicholas Pooran (VC)This season feels special already 💙 pic.twitter.com/367JTTeSHL
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 29, 2024
Pooran was bought by LSG for a whooping INR 16 crore in the IPL 2023 auction after a bidding war against Delhi Capitals. The West Indies powerhouse had a decent start in the franchise, accumulating 358 runs in 15 matches, at an average of 29.83. He hit two half-centuries in the inaugural season with the Lucknow franchise.
The Trinidadian is an explosive batter and adept wicketkeeper. He will look to make it count in the upcoming season. Pooran has been associated with the lucrative tournament since 2017, when he was first picked up by Mumbai Indians. In 2019-21, he featured for Punjab Kings while he was a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 before becoming a part of the Lucknow franchise.
Pooran is an experienced campaigner in the IPL. He has featured in 62 matches, amassing 1270 runs with six half-centuries to his name. He has a spectacular strike rate of 156 in the shortest format and an under-par average of 27 in the IPL.
