WEST INDIES youngster Nicholas Pooran is a name to note during this summer’s Vitality Blast Twenty20 tournament.
That is the opinion of none other than the self-styled ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle who knows a thing or two about success in limited over cricket.
Trinidad-born Pooran, 23, was one of the few bright lights in the West Indies dismal ICC World Cup campaign and has now turned his attention to England’s premier T20 competition while playing for Yorkshire.
Gayle, said of his Windies team mate: “I urge all Yorkshire fans to come out and watch Nicholas Pooran. He’s definitely one for the future. I’m sure the fans will love his entertainment. He’s got shots all around the ground and is in good nick as well. You guys, trust me, you won’t regret it. He’s going to set the place alight.”
DESTRUCTIVE
Batsman wicketkeeper Pooran, 23, signed on for the county’s first five North Group games.The left-hander showed enough during the World Cup to indicate that he could be a batsman to note for the future.
Gayle added: “He’s got a long way to go. He’s a youngster. For him to be so destructive at this young age, bowlers are de nitely going to be wary and worried about Nicholas.
“When he starts to become more consistent, that’s when everyone will realise that this guy’s going to be a huge name around the world. I wish him all the best. Hopefully he can build on such a wonderful start. This is his first World Cup, and he’ll be playing many more. I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again – he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Pooran scored his maiden international century in defeat to Sri Lanka at Durham during the World, a 103-ball 118 batting at number five.
Prior to that he hit 63 and 58 against England and Afghanistan to respectively.
The highly regarded Pooran is an excellent fielder, too.