Nicholas Pooran
Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
DOB: 02 October 1995
IPL Team (2026): Lucknow Super Giants
Base Price: INR 1.5 Crore (Estimated for 2026)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 92 | 87 | 24 | 1970 | 77 | 31.27 | 1329 | 148.23 | 0 | 12 | 127 | 146 | 47 |
| 2025 | 15 | 14 | 6 | 380 | 70* | 42.22 | 200 | 190.00 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 30 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 | 13 | 5 | 320 | 64* | 40.00 | 175 | 182.85 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 25 | 8 |
| 2023 | 16 | 15 | 6 | 358 | 62 | 29.83 | 199 | 172.11 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 26 | 7 |
| 2022 | 14 | 13 | 3 | 306 | 64* | 38.25 | 197 | 154.28 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 21 | 9 |
| 2021 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 85 | 32 | 7.08 | 63 | 134.92 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| 2020 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 353 | 77 | 35.30 | 199 | 177.00 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 25 | 9 |
| 2019 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 168 | 48* | 42.00 | 96 | 175.00 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 13 | 2 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a testament to resilience, a walking highlight reel, and a nightmare for opposition bowlers in the death overs. Born in Trinidad, Pooran’s journey to the IPL spotlight is as dramatic as his six-hitting prowess. A prodigious talent from a young age, his career faced a devastating setback in 2015 when a car accident left him with multiple leg fractures, threatening to end his cricketing dreams. But Pooran, with characteristic grit, fought his way back, emerging stronger and more determined, his bat now a weapon of pure destruction.
His entry into the IPL in 2019 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) was a glimpse of the fireworks to come. While his initial seasons showed flashes of brilliance, it was his consistent, explosive hitting in later years that truly cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in T20 cricket. Pooran’s playing style is defined by his aggressive intent, quick hands, and an uncanny ability to clear the ropes with minimal effort. He’s a natural timer of the ball, capable of hitting boundaries against both pace and spin, often unleashing audacious sweeps and powerful pulls that leave fielders as mere spectators.
Beyond the bat, Pooran is a dynamic wicketkeeper, sharp behind the stumps and agile in the field. His leadership qualities have also shone through, captaining West Indies in white-ball cricket. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver under immense scrutiny, particularly in high-stakes chases, has made him a fan favourite and a strategic asset for any team. Whether it’s a breathtaking cameo or a match-winning fifty, Pooran ensures that when he’s at the crease, no target is safe, and no game is truly over.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Nicholas Pooran’s IPL career has seen him don the jerseys of three franchises, each chapter adding to his legend as a T20 powerhouse. His journey began in 2019 when Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) secured him for INR 4.2 crore. He showed promise in his debut season, but it was 2020 where he truly broke out, smashing 353 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 177.00, including a magnificent 77 against SRH. However, 2021 proved to be a lean patch, with Pooran struggling for form, managing only 85 runs in 12 innings for Punjab Kings.
The 2022 mega-auction saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) invest heavily in him, acquiring his services for a hefty INR 10.75 crore. Pooran repaid their faith with a solid season, scoring 306 runs at an average of 38.25 and a strike rate of 154.28, often playing crucial roles in the middle order. His performances were a clear signal that his 2021 dip was an anomaly. His stock continued to rise, leading to a monumental bid from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2023 auction, where he was snapped up for a staggering INR 16 crore.
At LSG, Pooran found his true calling as a designated finisher and middle-order enforcer. In 2023, he delivered consistently, scoring 358 runs at an explosive strike rate of 172.11, often turning games on their head with his rapid-fire cameos. This form continued into the 2024 and 2025 seasons, where he became an indispensable part of LSG’s batting lineup, consistently delivering high-impact innings and proving his worth as one of the league’s premier power-hitters. His journey reflects a player who has learned, adapted, and consistently delivered on the biggest stage.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Nicholas Pooran is a bettor’s dream when the conditions align. His primary strength lies in his unparalleled power-hitting and exceptional strike rate, particularly in the death overs. He thrives on flat pitches and smaller boundaries, making him an excellent pick for ‘Over’ runs bets, especially when batting at numbers 4-6. His ability to hit sixes at will makes him a strong candidate for ‘Most Sixes’ prop bets in specific matches or even for his team. He’s particularly effective against pace, often feasting on full tosses and short balls, so look for matchups against pace-heavy bowling attacks.
However, Pooran can sometimes be susceptible to quality spin early in his innings, especially if the pitch offers turn or bounce. While he has improved his game against spin significantly, a disciplined leg-spinner or off-spinner can sometimes tie him down. Consistency has been a historical concern, but his move to LSG and a defined finisher’s role has brought more stability to his performances. Bet on Pooran when LSG is chasing a big total, as his aggressive approach often pays off under pressure. Conversely, consider betting against him on slow, turning tracks where he might struggle to get going quickly. His wicketkeeping adds value in fantasy leagues and can contribute to ‘Total Dismissals’ markets, but his batting remains his primary betting appeal.
Key Records & Milestones
- One of the highest-priced wicketkeeper-batters in IPL history, fetching INR 16 crore in the 2023 auction.
- Holds the record for the fastest fifty for Lucknow Super Giants (15 balls) in IPL 2023.
- Consistently maintains one of the highest strike rates among middle-order batsmen in the IPL, often exceeding 170 in his impactful seasons.
- Among the top five batsmen for most sixes hit in an IPL season (2020, 2023, 2024, 2025).
- Has scored 12 IPL half-centuries, often coming in match-defining situations.
IPL Season Highlights
Nicholas Pooran’s IPL journey is punctuated by several explosive seasons. His 2020 season with Kings XI Punjab was a true breakout, where he amassed 353 runs at a stunning strike rate of 177.00. A particular highlight was his blistering 77 off just 37 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, studded with five fours and seven sixes, showcasing his destructive power. He followed this with two more vital fifties, proving his capability to anchor and accelerate.
After a challenging 2021, Pooran rediscovered his touch in 2022 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 306 runs at an impressive average of 38.25. His unbeaten 64 off 33 balls against his former team, PBKS, was a masterclass in chasing, guiding SRH to a comfortable victory and reminding everyone of his class. This season was crucial for rebuilding his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter.
However, his most impactful performances came in 2023 and the subsequent 2024 and 2025 seasons with Lucknow Super Giants. In 2023, he was instrumental in LSG’s campaign, scoring 358 runs with a phenomenal strike rate of 172.11. His sensational 62 off 19 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, including a 15-ball fifty, remains one of the fastest and most memorable innings in IPL history, turning an improbable chase into a thrilling victory. In 2024 and 2025, he continued this form, consistently providing crucial late-innings impetus, with multiple match-winning cameos and an average strike rate well over 180, cementing his status as LSG’s premier finisher and one of the IPL’s most exciting talents.