IPL 2023: Mohammad Kaif Reckons Gautam Gambhir And KL Rahul Should Give Nicholas Pooran A Free Hand

Last Update on: March 25th, 2023 at 11:06 am

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Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Nicholas Pooran should be given full control of the Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2023 season by Gautam Gambhir and KL Rahul.

Since he first began participating in the IPL, Pooran has been somewhat of a mystery. The hard-hitting hitter has shown signs of his true potential, but the IPL hasn’t allowed him to reach it.

Openers Rahul and Quinton de Kock were in excellent shape and took second and third in the Orange Cap race, respectively. De Kock scored 508 runs in 15 games, and Rahul concluded the season with 616 runs in 15 matches. They succumbed to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 14 runs in the playoffs, putting an end to their incredible journey. After that, Rajasthan Royals defeated RCB in the eliminator, while Gujarat Titans triumphed over RR in the championship.

During the IPL 2023 auction, the team made some wise purchases, including Nicholas Pooran, who they paid 16 crores for. No other player in the auction, including Pooran, saw their franchise reach the crore threshold. Since making his IPL debut in 2017, the West Indies wicketkeeper-batter has had some difficulty establishing himself.

“You can set proper expectations with him” – Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif suggested that the LSG management ease the pressure on Pooran and allow him more freedom to play in the IPL 2023 while speaking on Star Sports, as reported by Hindustan Times.

“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,” said Mohammad Kaif.

Mohammad Kaif went on to remark that a power-hitter like Pooran needs guidance and encouraging gestures in order to be inspired to bring his natural game.

“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. 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,” said Mohammad Kaif.

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