With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on the horizon, teams are working hard to solidify their rosters ahead of the player retention deadline on October 31. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly preparing to shake up their lineup, with Nicholas Pooran expected to top their retention list. This decision could coincide with a major shift in leadership, as current captain KL Rahul may not be retained and could possibly return to his former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
As LSG navigates the potential departure of Rahul, they’ll be on the lookout for a new skipper to lead the squad in 2025. Pooran, a seasoned international cricketer and accomplished batter, can be considered one of the top choices to take up the captaincy. Let’s have a look at some pointers as to why Pooran can be an ideal captaincy candidate for LSG.
3 reasons why Nicholas Pooran can captain LSG in IPL 2025
1. Vast leadership experience at both international and IPL levels
Pooran’s leadership credentials are well-established. He has captained the West Indies T20I team, where he demonstrated his strategic acumen and composed approach under high-stakes situations. Additionally, during the previous IPL season, he filled in as the LSG captain when Rahul was injured, showing his ability to seamlessly step into the leadership role within the franchise. His experience across both international and IPL stages has refined his skills in team management and tactical planning, which could be invaluable for LSG as they aim to make a strong impact in the next IPL season.
Also READ: IPL 2025 – LSG set to retain Nicholas Pooran at an eye-catching price; KL Rahul not in plans
2. Tactical advantage as a wicketkeeper with a field-wide perspective
Being a wicketkeeper-batter, Pooran holds a unique position on the field, allowing him to see the game from a broad, strategic viewpoint. His role behind the stumps gives him a clear view of the field setup, bowler positioning, and the opponent’s scoring tactics, enabling him to make real-time adjustments to field placements and bowling plans. This advantage can greatly benefit LSG, as Pooran’s perspective allows him to make informed decisions on the fly, adapting to the dynamic flow of a T20 match.
3. Strong connection with team members and influence in decision-making
Pooran is known for his positive influence and connection with fellow teammates, who often look to him for insights and advice. His approachable nature and experience have helped him build strong relationships within the squad, making him an effective communicator on and off the field. His popularity and leadership style encourage team collaboration, and his opinions are highly respected by players and coaches alike. These qualities make Pooran a natural leader, likely to inspire and motivate LSG’s players in pursuit of team goals, uniting the squad under his guidance.