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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on February 29 announced West Indies’ wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran as their vice-captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The franchise posted a photo of skipper KL Rahul handing Pooran the jersey for the new season with '(VC)' written on it.
Pooran’s successful stint as captain
Pooran recently led MI Emirates to their maiden title win in ILT20 2024. He was exceptional in the final with six sixes in an unbeaten 27-ball 57. The southpaw was the second-highest run-scorer in the league with 354 runs from 10 innings at an average of 50.57 including a couple of half-centuries. His strike rate was an astonishing 170.19.
How Pooran fared in IPL 2023
In the previous edition's auction, he was roped in by LSG for a whopping Rs 16 crore after a bidding war with Delhi Capitals (DC). He scored 358 runs from 15 games at an average of 29.83 including two half-centuries. His strike rate of 172.95 impressed many. However, he failed in the eliminator against Mumbai Indians (MI) as he was dismissed for a golden duck.
No leadership position for Krunal Pandya
When Rahul suffered a groin injury trying to stop a boundary in the infamous home clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Krunal Pandya was named the captain for the rest of the season. Under his captaincy, LSG won three and lost two whereas one ended in no result. It is not clear why Krunal was not named vice-captain for IPL 2024.
KL Rahul’s injury gives LSG a headache
Rahul complained of pain in his right quadriceps after the first Test against England in Hyderabad. He is yet to regain full fitness and has been ruled out for the final Test in Dharamsala as well.
LSG’s schedule for the initial phase of IPL
LSG will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on March 24. Their first home game is against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Lucknow. They will go up against RCB in their third clash in Bengaluru.
In the last two seasons, LSG have been able to qualify for the playoffs but are yet to play in a final.
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