Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced West Indies’ wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran as their vice-captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The franchise made the announcement on social media, with a photo of skipper KL Rahul handing Pooran the jersey for the new season with ‘(VC)’ written on it.
Pooran’s recent success as a captain was highlighted, particularly his leadership role in leading MI Emirates to their maiden title win in the ILT20 2024 final. He was exceptional in the final, scoring an unbeaten 27-ball 57 with six sixes. Pooran was the second-highest run-scorer in the league with 354 runs from 10 innings at an average of 50.57, including a couple of half-centuries, and an impressive strike rate of 170.19.
In IPL 2023, Pooran was bought by LSG for a whopping INR 16 crore after a bidding war with Delhi Capitals (DC). He scored 358 runs from 15 games at an average of 29.83, including two half-centuries, with a strike rate of 172.95. However, he faced a setback in the eliminator against Mumbai Indians (MI) as he was dismissed for a golden duck.
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Interestingly, when KL Rahul suffered a groin injury during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Krunal Pandya was named the captain for the rest of the season. Under his captaincy, LSG won three and lost two matches, with one ending in no result. The reason why Krunal was not named vice-captain for IPL 2024 is unclear.
LSG’s captaincy headache continues as KL Rahul is yet to regain full fitness after complaining of pain in his right quadriceps following the first Test against England in Hyderabad. He has been ruled out for the final Test in Dharamsala as well.
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LSG will commence their IPL 2024 campaign against Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on March 24. Their first home game is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Lucknow, followed by a clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Bengaluru.
In the last two seasons, LSG have managed to qualify for the playoffs but are yet to reach a final. The appointment of Nicholas Pooran as vice-captain adds a new dimension to their leadership group, and fans will be eager to see how he contributes to the team’s success in the upcoming season.