NEW DELHI: There was a wave of excitement and anticipation after Punjab Kings (PBKS) announced their lineup for the opening IPL 2021 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR). West Indian superstar Chris Gayle and his big-hitting countryman Nicholas Pooran were set to feature together, sparking discussions on how many sixes the duo might smash. However, the scenario turned out to be quite an anticlimax, as former South African cricketer Chris Morris dismissed Pooran for a golden duck. The 29-year-old’s fortunes further worsened from that point, as he managed to score just 28 runs in seven matches, recording four ducks. Pooran, who had entered IPL 2021 with the reputation of someone who smashes sixes for fun, managed to hit just one six during that period.
The wicketkeeper-batter failed to turn things around in the remaining matches, ending IPL 2021 with 85 runs in 12 outings. Pooran smashed just five sixes throughout the campaign, recording a strike rate of 111.84 and an average of 7.72. PBKS opted to release the West Indian cricketer at the end of the season, raising questions about his future in the IPL.
However, the 29-year-old has pulled off a sensational comeback—one that very few can boast of—emerging as a genuine game-changer. Pooran currently leads the tally for most sixes in IPL 2025, smashing 34 in 10 matches. MI batter Suryakumar Yadav is second on the list with 26 sixes in 11 games. Pooran has been the top run-getter for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), amassing 404 runs at a strike rate of 203.01.
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Ex-West Indies cricketer Adrian Barath, the youngest player from his country to score a Test century, even stated that it’s very possible for Pooran to become the first cricketer to score 250 in a T20 match.
“Pooran can achieve anything he wants across every format. He is capable and has great strength and hunger to excel as much as possible. Pooran is also exceptionally hard-working and keeps grinding it out in the nets throughout the day till he has perfected his strokes,” said Barath in an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
“Talent alone gets you nowhere. He has found that sweet spot with regard to mixing talent and hard work, which we’ve witnessed in the case of top players like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. At the same time, he also has a very strong base. Pooran’s legs are very powerful, like a horse. His head stays still, which helps him connect well. In short, he has all the ingredients for six-hitting. The first time I saw Pooran was when he was 14 years old. I was impressed with the way he fielded with great intent, throwing his body around. I knew he was destined for success as a cricketer that very moment,” he added.
One of the major factors behind Pooran’s transformation after the IPL 2021 debacle has been the support of West Indian cricketers Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, with whom he shares a close bond.
“Pollard and Narine have backed him through thick and thin. I am very sure that they would have had discussions with Pooran following the conclusion of IPL 2021. Pollard and Narine have constantly guided, motivated, and helped him improve his game and take it to the next level,” said Pooran’s former coach David Furlonge.
“Pooran also has a great deal of respect for them. I remember a match where all the Trinidadian as well as West Indian cricketers were in contention for selection. I went to Pollard and told him to drop somebody in this tricky situation. He called Pooran and said, ‘Go and run three laps. You’re not playing today.’ Pooran simply said okay rather than creating a fuss,” he added.
Another significant reason behind Pooran’s dominance, especially in IPL 2025, is the decision to promote him to the number three position. The West Indian cricketer has thrived in the role, making the most of the freedom the slot provides.
“Pooran is best suited to bat at number three. Whosoever took the call to send him to that position deserves an award. It has changed his batting style. Pooran is now more responsible. When you go in to bat at number five, six, or seven, it doesn’t help you develop as a batter,” said former Cricket West Indies (CWI) director Baldath Mahabir, whose academy Pooran trained at during his early years.
“Pooran has a great amount of confidence, and giving him a limited number of balls to face deprives him of the opportunity to express himself. I recollect an interaction between him and his first coach Dashrath Maharaj, who asked Pooran to hit the ball only if it falls in his zone. He simply replied, ‘Coach, I have plenty of zones.’ That is an indication of his confidence levels,” added Mahabir.
“Pollard and I would always discuss that Pooran should be batting at number three, especially in T20s. We used to try and send him up the order at number three or four to give him quality time in the middle,” shared Furlonge.
Former PBKS batting consultant and power-hitting coach Julian Wood termed the clarity Pooran has received regarding his batting position—and his consistent run at number three—as a tactically brilliant move.
“He now has clarity with regard to his role after being played at every slot from number one to seven previously. With clarity comes confidence and trust in your technique, enabling Pooran to simply focus on hitting the ball in the best possible manner. Confidence plays a massive role in cricket. Pooran has also simplified his process and worked it all out with regard to rhythm and timing, resulting in his consistency going through the roof. He is a pure striker of the ball, just like Sachin and Virat Kohli,” stated Wood.
Pooran has been praised for his determination and dedication, often pulling off match-winning performances in difficult situations. However, no on-field challenge compares to the near-fatal road accident he survived in 2015.
“I was in so much pain. I just wanted them to knock me out,” Pooran had once shared while discussing the collision.
Doctors were uncertain if he would ever play again, even suggesting that walking might be difficult. But Pooran defied the odds.
“I visited him in the hospital. He was always very confident. I feared that he wouldn’t be that strong following the accident and was also worried about the weight he had put on. He lost it easily and overcame all the physical and mental challenges—just like Rishabh Pant,” said Mahabir.
While most players would ease back into the game after such trauma, Pooran returned hungrier than ever—with Furlonge playing a key role in his comeback.
“Pooran came back with purpose and complete focus, becoming even stronger despite the accident. Pollard, Narine, and Dwayne Bravo helped him by pushing him to achieve his goals. Coming back from an injury like that shows the character Pooran has,” said Furlonge.
“He always made himself available for practice and worked on his fitness extensively. Pollard and Narine used to approach me to let Pooran play—they knew his talent and wanted him to make full use of it. Pooran had his own personal trainer who guided him with a fitness programme that he followed religiously,” he added.
Though widely popular on social media for his humorous reactions, Pooran is fiercely competitive and brutally honest when expectations aren’t met.
“Pooran’s team lost the final of a tournament where he had helped the team sail through every stage, carrying them on his shoulders. He didn’t score in the final because he was mentally tired. Pooran wasn’t happy with his teammates’ performance and expressed his frustration in an outburst. He is extremely competitive and wants to win at any cost,” said Furlonge.
“No match is over till Pooran is at the crease. He once walked out to bat when his team was down and out with 200 runs needed. We won the match very comfortably in the end. Pooran is highly impactful—just like Chris Gayle—but more of a 360-degree player than him,” he added.
