Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) Windies pick Nicholas Pooran has emerged as the most sought after player in the Twenty20 fold. The southpaw is keen to wield the willow for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise KXIP to score runs at the brisk pace in the IPL 2019 season. However, in between, when it comes to the fan thing, he is inspired by Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Pooran, who impressed Windies selectors during the 2016 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), is keen to pick the brain of prolific Dhoni.
IPL 2019: MS Dhoni has a fan in KXIP’s Nicholas Pooran
During his confession, the youngster is focused while donning gloves. Pooran revealed his aim is to learn the niceties while looking at Ranchi-based hero Dhoni. The senior batsman Dhoni is known for his quick reflexes and has carved out an identity while whipping off the bails in a flash.
The supremely-talented gloveman is satisfied with his glovework. He added Dhoni has been on the spot.
“Being a keeper myself, I am a big Dhoni fan as he is the best in the business. I feel I am getting better and better (even when it comes to work behind the stumps),” PTI quoted Pooran as saying.
While talking about the dynamics of his wicket-keeping skills, Dhoni has impressed the former veterans of the game.
Pooran has also reminisced about his accident which took place back in 2015. He acknowledged the fact by saying he is lucky to make it to the ground yet again.
Following his life-changing episode, Pooran imparted knowledge among his pals to take life seriously. He added he often enjoys his time and off the cricketing field.
“The accident has surely changed the way I live my life. I am very thankful to be on the cricket field again. You never know what is going to happen when you wake up in the morning. I enjoy playing, appreciate every moment and try to do my best on the field. Off the field too, I tell people to enjoy life,” Pooran revealed.
Pooran would bee keen to take the field when KXIP’s IPL campaign will get underway against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The game will commence on March 25 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Nicholas Pooran eyes 2019 World Cup spot:
Also, Pooran has a massive opportunity to impress Windies selectors to book a berth for the 2019 World Cup scheduled in England and Wales.
“I have just started playing and the immediate target is to do well for Kings XI Punjab and make a case for selection in the World Cup squad,” Pooran maintained.
Despite the car crash, Pooran made a strong comeback by amassing runs in the shortest version of the game. Notably, he had a good show during a T20I at Chennai last year when he scored 53.
Overall, in his early international cricket, Pooran has featured in 11 T20Is. Also, he made his ODI debut against England Cricket Team in February, this year at Kensington Oval.