After Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) head coach Mike Hesson has compared KXIP recruit Nicholas Pooran with Chris Gayle, the exciting Windies youngster is aiming high to make his name amid the Twent20 fever.
Beyond the comparison, wicketkeeper-batsman Pooran, who had played a significant role back home in the shortest version of the game in last one year. He isn’t intimidated with the comparison. Recently, Hesson has termed Pooran as the ‘young Gayle’.
Pooran, who has exhibited his batting belligerence, is expected to serve as a balm for the KXIP. Having a flair of his Windies teammate Gayle, he could change the complexion of the game with his exploits.
In 2018, Pooran had played quickfire T20I innings of 25-ball 53 at Chennai while facing India. However, the exciting prospect is expected to live up to the expectations by justifying his INR 4.2 crore price tag during the IPL Players’ Auction held in Jaipur.
IPL 2019: KXIP’s Nicholas Pooran aims for a breakthrough –
The southpaw believes it’s a massive opportunity for him to prove his credentials. He added there’s no anxiety when it comes to performing for the team. He stressed that he’s playing for a fresh side to give his hundred per cent.
“There is no pressure as yet. Any tournament is an opportunity. I am in a new team and just want to give my best. And to be honest, I am just trying to be the best I can be,” PTI quoted Pooran as saying.
Excited Pooran revealed the team is in good stead despite losing the plot in the previous edition. He’s looking to improve on his part while learning from his national teammate. He added he’s keen to work on Gayle’s advice to deliver during the mega cricketing carnival.
“It has been wonderful so far. Everyone is gelling well. It is also wonderful to have someone (Gayle) from back home as your teammate. I have picked his brains in the past and looking forward to do the same during the course of this tournament,” Pooran added.
In addition, Pooran has expressed he enjoys the way AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli play their game.
“I do look at a lot of cricketers. Virat and AB are some of the players I like to watch and learn from,” Pooran inferred.
Interestingly, Pooran has made an entry in the top-flight cricket in 2016, following the supreme show in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Meanwhile, KXIP will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 25 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.