Nicholas Pooran, the wicketkeeper-batsman for the West Indies, has expressed his opinion on whether his high price tag would hinder his performance in the upcoming 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022). Pooran was purchased for INR 10.75 crores by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2022 super auction.
At the IPL 2022 auction, Pooran sparked a bidding battle between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Kolkata Knight Riders. After failing to recruit Ishan Kishan, the Orange Army went all-in on the explosive batter. This was despite Pooran’s lacklustre performance for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2021 season (PBKS).
Pooran told ESPNCricinfo that the pressure is greater when the results do not warrant the price tag:
“I suppose it does as a professional athlete, particularly when you’re not performing well and the media and a lot of people criticise you, so it [the fee] probably does play a factor.” But it’s your responsibility as a professional to put that noise behind you and focus on the team.”
After a good first season, he had a bad run in IPL 2021 and eventually lost his spot in the squad. Last year, he scored 85 runs in 12 matches over both legs.
One bad season will not change who I am as a player: Pooran, Nicholas
The Punjab Kings released the Caribbean international following the 2021 IPL season. Prior to the major auction, the franchise decided to keep Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh. The left-handed keeper-batsman feels that a terrible IPL season does not make him a bad hitter overall, as seen by his success in international cricket.
“It doesn’t feel like that,” he added. It’s not going to affect who I am as a player just because I had a horrible season. Everyone can tell that I’m performing well in international cricket. For me, it’s about giving back to my team — the Sunrisers have put a lot of faith in me, so I just want to give it my all for them – it’s about being the greatest version of myself.
On March 29, Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the IPL 2022 season in Pune.