New Delhi: West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has been appointed as the vice-captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The franchise announced on Thursday via their social media that Pooran will be taking over as captain KL Rahul’s deputy from all-rounder Krunal Pandya.
At an event, Rahul handed Pooran the deputy’s jersey bearing the number 29 on the back.
Cricketers from the West Indies are known to be explosive batters, specially in the T20 format and Pooran who hails from Trinidad is known for the same. He has one added quality of wicketkeeping as he can adapt to the role anytime. When not donning the gloves, he is an exceptional fielder as well, known for some terrific saves near the boundary ropes, which got him praise across the world.
He has been a key player in the shorter format globally and started his IPL journey with Punjab followed by Hyderabad. He joined Lucknow Super Giants for a massic Rs. 16 crore ahead of the 2023 season. He played ahead of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock last season and made 15 outings for LSG in IPL 2024. He amassed 353 runs that included two fifties at a brilliant strike rate of 172.94.
Injured KL Rahul a worry for LSG?
The 28-year-old has held leadership positions in several teams, also including the national side, and will now pick up the role with an IPL team for the first time. When KL Rahul was absent for the LSG in both the first and second seasons, Krunal Pandya filled in his shoes and led the team to victory three times out of the six games, losing two and drawing out one.
The franchise remains hopeful of their skipper’s comeback who is currently dealing with a quadricep injury. The IPL 2024 is set to begin on March 22 and Rahul will be eyeing for a quick recovery as he is currently in London to seek expert advice about stiffness in his right quadriceps. The Super Giants will be playing their first encounter against Rajasthan Royals on March 24 in Jaipur and will be expecting Rahul to lead the team in their event opener.
