‘We connect through shared trauma’- Nicholas Pooran on bond with Rishabh Pant

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are now playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, and Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, two of the most dangerous wicketkeeper-batters of this period, share a dressing room.

While returning home to Roorkee from Delhi in December 2022, Pant was involved in a horrifying car accident. He struggled to get back to the pitch for a long period. When Pooran was 19 years old, he also had a near-fatal car accident in St. Mary’s, Trinidad. Having undergone numerous knee and ankle operations, he spent a significant amount of time in a wheelchair.

Pooran, who is enjoying a spectacular IPL 2025 batting campaign, talked about his relationship with the LSG captain and the trauma he shares with Pant.

Prior to the incident, he and Pant had a positive relationship. We are always in contact. Whenever possible, we get together and talk. In advance of LSG’s matchup with the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 27, Pooran stated, “If he’s in the Caribbean or if I’m here.”

The fact that we are playing cricket today is a bright spot despite the fact that the accident was a very regrettable part of our individual journeys. And that’s a great sensation. We do, however, share our experiences. The former West Indies T20 skipper continued, “We try to support one another as much as we can.

Batting at number three gives me the chance to encounter more balls: Nicholas Pooran

Pooran batted at number five or number six last season. He has been assigned the third position in the batting order by the LSG management this time, though. From that position, the 29-year-old has produced some incredible performances this season. With a strike rate of 204.89 and an average of 47.12, he has scored 377 runs in nine innings. Speaking about his mentality when batting at number three, Pooran emphasised that he wanted to maximise the powerplay overs.

“I think the same thing. When I have the chance, I try to win games. Naturally, batting at number five or six is a distinct job. I get more balls to face when I bat at number three. Especially heading into the Powerplay, I wanted to take advantage of that. “So, it’s all about seizing the chance and fulfilling the team’s needs,” Pooran stated.

The southpaw added that he likes to play in India. He said that any cricket player’s dream is to play well in India.

For some time now, I have been performing in India. The tracks are rather similar to those we have at home, with pitches that don’t bounce very much. However, these are genuinely wonderful wickets to bat on, so I thought it might work to my advantage. In India, I also enjoy playing. Particularly in this setting, there is therefore additional motive. The supporters want you to succeed, and it’s every cricket player’s dream to play here,” he said.