The India Premier League (IPL) 2026 isn’t far away, and teams have started preparing for the upcoming season. Every franchise dreams of lifting the trophy, and for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), that dream has remained unfulfilled since their debut in the IPL. Despite having star players and strong performances in the past seasons, the team has struggled to cross the final hurdle.
After a disappointing IPL 2025 under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, who managed just 6 wins from 15 games with an underwhelming batting performance, LSG fans and experts demanded for change. Now, the spotlight is on Nicholas Pooran, LSG’s most explosive batter and proven leader in recent T20 franchise leagues.
Pooran’s Leadership Skills
Nicholas Pooran’s name is on everyone’s lips thanks to his exceptional performances and leadership record in franchise cricket. Trinbago Knight Riders to the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, Nicholas Pooran showcased cool captaincy and strong batting under pressure. In CPL 2025, he hammered 426 runs at a strike rate of 133 and led his team to 9 wins in 13 matches.
Pooran’s IPL 2025 season was even more explosive; he made 524 runs in 14 innings at a breathtaking strike rate of 196. He smashed 40 sixes, the highest across all players. LSG’s management rewarded him with a Rs. 21 crore retention, underlining his value not just as a batter but as a potential captain.
Nicholas Pooran’s Stats:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
| ODIs | 61 | 1983 | 39.66 | 11/3 |
| T20Is | 106 | 2275 | 26.14 | 13/0 |
| IPL | 90 | 2293 | 34.22 | 17/3 |
| CPL | 127 | 2873 | 29.61 | 14/0 |
Pros and Cons: Is Nicholas Pooran the Right Choice?
Reasons to Back Nicholas Pooran
Consistent Batting Form: Nicholas Pooran brings stability and aggression to the middle order, often changing games in LSG’s favor.
Prover Franchise Captain: After winning titles in both CPL (with TKR) and Major League Cricket (with MI New York), he’s shown an ability to inspire teams, especially in tournaments with international stars.
Concerns and Challenges
International Captaincy Record: Pooran struggles as West Indies Captain, registering only 8 wins in 23 matches, which raises questions about his ability to handle big-stage pressure.
Brand Value vs On-field Results: Rishabh Pant, though not in great form, commands a significant fan following and off-field influence. Replacing Pant could be a risk for sponsors and management.
What makes Pooran Unique for LSG?
Unlike most IPL teams, Lucknow Super Giants have a squad stacked with multi-national talent. Pooran’s experience leading the overseas stars in various leagues makes him a natural fit. After his recent retirement from International cricket, Pooran can now focus more fully on T20 franchise challenges and dedicate himself to IPL success.
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