He has always had a sense of calm about him. A very West Indian kind of relaxed mindset and demeanour. And having seen adversity, he knows that one needs to celebrate and value the good that comes your way. The urge to keep getting better, to be the best version of oneself, is what defines the new Nicholas Pooran. That’s what came through in the long and candid conversation at RPSG House in Kolkata as we settled down to speak about his IPL retention.
Shashwat Goenka, now much more hands on than he was a few years back, outlined in detail what prompted the franchise to choose Pooran and also spoke at length about the auction strategy.
Excerpts from the conversation:
Boria: Shashwat, I will start with you. Why Nicholas Pooran for a whopping amount of 21 crores?
Shashwat: As you mentioned before we started, he is currently one of the best T20 batters in the world, and arguably the most destructive. Look at his strike-rate and you will know. Someone who scores at 190 [162 in the IPL] is special. Against RCB, he had a strike-rate last year of over 300. He can change the game within overs and can hit sixes from ball one. In modern T20 cricket, that’s what you will need. Our cricket think tank, Justin [Langer] and Zaheer [Khan] both mentioned this, and there was never any debate who would be our top retention.
Boria: Nicholas, 21 crores is a hell of a lot of money. Thoughts on being LSG’s top retention and does it add to the pressure?
Pooran: The best part about this franchise is they have never put me under pressure. When you are paid a lot of money, there is always pressure. Not so much from outside but from within. You know you need to justify this price tag. You need to deliver for the franchise and stand up and be counted. You know you have to make a difference. And that’s what you need to enjoy. I have always wanted to be the best T20 batter in the world. Make a difference for my team. Be the best version of myself and do justice to the talent and ability I have. Having been through an accident and seen what it is like when you are down, I cherish every moment of the opportunity that has come my way, and that’s why I have managed to enjoy the pressure that comes with the job.
Boria: Shashwat, now that you have your core, thoughts on the auction strategy, please?
Shashwat: See, we are very clear on what we want. Of course there will be many rounds of discussions and deliberations but in business and in sport, it is essential to have clarity. We have a clear vision of what we need and we have a very good team to get us there. With Justin Langer and Zaheer Khan and Nicholas, we have some excellent cricket brains within us and will approach the auction with a clear mindset. Things will indeed go wrong, but that’s how an auction is. You can never predict. But we will be prepared with our plans so that we are ready for all possibilities that come up.
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Boria: Nicholas, the entire world has come to associate you with big hits. It isn’t easy to start hitting from all one and yet you have been consistently doing this for some years now. Tell me about this level of consistency and for a change do you think of the bowlers when you keep hitting?
Pooran: (Smiles). When you are hitting sixes, there is often a sense of fright on the face of the bowler. You want to see them scared! But yes, it is not easy. Never easy to go out and hit the first ball for a six, or keep hitting at a strike-rate of 200. But then, that’s why you are being chosen. That’s your ability. So you need to master it, and keep practicing. Think of ways you can improve, evolve better and be the best version of yourself. I know things will not always go your way. I know you could be laid low. That’s why you need to make the most of every opportunity. I want to win the IPL with LSG in the next few years and that’s the goal. We need to pursue this goal consistently and I am sure it can happen.
Boria: You are big time into Bollywood and Hindi, I am told. Sing a couple of lines for us? 21 crores should get us a song!
Pooran: Yes, the next interview you do should be in Hindi. Five minutes ruk jaiye [stop]! (Smiles). I know a lot of songs, so let me think of one. (Sings, and does so reasonably well).
I really love Bollywood, and also love Indian food. Ravi Bishnoi got me to try a number of dishes! It is always important to enjoy the culture when you are here.
Boria: Have you tried Kolkata mishti?
Pooran: Too much sugar! (Points to his abs) Will get fat!
Shashwat: Wish everyone at RevSportz a happy Diwali, Boria da. Hope we can entertain you all this season with a very good team.
Also Read: Nicholas Pooran retained by LSG at over 20 crores