'We connect through shared trauma' - Nicholas Pooran on bond with Rishabh Pant

Two of the most dangerous wicketkeeper-batters of this era, Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, are sharing the dressing room at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Pant encountered a horrific car accident in December 2022 while driving back home to Roorkee from Delhi. It took him a considerable amount of time to return to the field. Pooran also met with a near-fatal car accident in St Mary's, Trinidad, when he was 19 years old. He was wheelchair-bound for a considerable period with multiple surgeries on his knees and ankle.

Pooran, who is having a spectacular IPL 2025 campaign with the bat, mentioned the trauma he shares with Pant while describing his bond with the LSG captain.

"Even before the incident we (him and Pant) had a good relationship. We always connect. We always chat, get together whenever we can. If he's in the Caribbean or if I'm here," Pooran said ahead of LSG's upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 27.

"Accident is just something which was really unfortunate in our respective journeys but the bright side is we're here playing cricket today. And that is a wonderful feeling. But yeah, we share our experiences. We try to help each other as much as we can," the former West Indies T20 captain added.

Batting at No. 3, I get an opportunity to face more balls: Nicholas Pooran

Last season, Pooran batted at No. 5 or No. 6. However, this time, the LSG management has given him the No. 3 spot in the batting order. The 29-year-old has delivered some staggering performances from that position this season. He has amassed 377 runs from nine innings at an average of 47.12 and a strike rate of 204.89. Pooran spoke about his mindset while batting at No. 3, highlighting that he wants to make the most of the powerplay overs.

"My mindset is the same. Try to win games whenever I get an opportunity. Obviously, it is a different role batting at number 5 or 6. Batting at No. 3, I get an opportunity to face more balls. That's something I wanted to capitalise on especially going into the Powerplay. So it's all about taking the opportunity and doing what the team requires," said Pooran.

The southpaw also said that he enjoys playing in India. He opined that performing well in India is a dream for any cricketer.

"I've played in India for a while now. The tracks are a bit similar like what we get back home, where the pitches do not have a lot of bounce. But these are actually good wickets to bat on so that's something for me I felt like would be in my favour. I like playing here in India as well. So there's extra motivation especially in this environment. The fans, they want you to do well and performing here is any cricketer's dream," he concluded.