IPL 2023: Mohammad Kaif Opines on Nicholas Pooran’s Role in the Tournament

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif stated that Lucknow Super Giant (LSG) batter needs to be given a free hand by the captain KL Rahul and Gautam Gambhir for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. However, the West Indian wicketkeeper batter failed to do well with the bat despite going for hefty sums as well.

Notably, at the auction, LSG decided to buy him for a whooping 16 crore rupees, which certainly raised a lot of eyebrows at the time as well.

While speaking on Star Sports Kaif said, “I feel Gautam Gambhir and KL Rahul should give Pooran a free hand to play because a player like this cannot be pushed beyond a limit. You also cannot expect them to win you every match. You can set proper expectations with him, like if he is here to play 14-15 league matches, and if he makes Lucknow win 4-5 games, it’s sufficient.”

Kaif also shared that a power-hitter like Nicholas Pooran requires mentoring and supportive gestures so that he can be bring his natural game in the league as well.

‘A power-hitter like Pooran requires mentoring, be supportive with gestures’ – Mohammad Kaif on Nicholas Pooran

Mohammad Kaif further added, “Every time a player like Pooran loses his wicket, we think he didn’t do well. But a power-hitter like Pooran requires mentoring, be supportive with gestures like an arm around the shoulder and motivate them to bring their natural game to the next match”

In 47 IPL matches, Nicholas Pooran could only manage 912 runs which also included four 50’s. In addition to him, the franchise brought Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Romario Shepherd, Naveen Ul Haq, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Swapnil Singh, Yudhvir Charak and Prerak Mankad for the 2023 season as well.

Meanwhile, LSG finished third in the table last season and they were eliminated in the eliminator by Royal Challengers Banglore. But this time around with an improved squad they will be looking to compete for the title again.

However, the tournament will begin with Chennai Super Kings taking on Gujarat Giants in Ahmedabad on March 31st as well.