Nicholas Pooran Credits Kieron Pollard For Helping Him Return To Cricket From Career-Threatening Injury

Star West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has been touted as the next big thing in the country’s cricket. But three years back, Pooran was not sure whether he would be able to return to cricket after suffering a career-threatening injury. The southpaw has credited father-figure Kieron Pollard for this turnaround and inspiring him during the dark times.

Pooran returned with 193 runs including two half-centuries in the recently-concluded three-match series against India. Nicholas Pooran has earned a lot of praise from all quarters for his ability to control the pace of the game and accelerate as and when needed. Moreover, he has also provided solidity in the middle-order which helped West Indies revamp their batting form.

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Pollard inspired me to come back – Nicholas Pooran

However, the cricketer has credited father figure and Caribbeans coach Kieron Pollard for this success. Nicholas Pooran said that Pollard stood like a rock and helped him recover from the injury. Pollard also recently lavishly praise the young cricketer. Incidentally, Chris Gayle had also identified Pooran as the most savage youngster who will take West Indies cricket further.

“He’s been a like a big brother to me, a father-figure. He’s been there since I returned to cricket. He gave me opportunity. I’m thankful for that,” said Pooran. “We (him and Pollard) knew each other, and we are really good friends on and off the field. So we know how to complement each other,” he added. 

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Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard added 135 runs for the fifth wicket which helped West Indies post 315 runs in the third ODI. However, it was not enough to seal a victory as Indian top-order followed by a quickfire knock from Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur helped them pocket the series.