Super Giants’ Global Mentor Gambhir defends Pooran’s hefty price tag

The preparations for the IPL 2023 are underway, and all 10 franchises have completed their squads after buying their preferred players at the recently concluded IPL auction.

Sam Curran became the most expensive player in IPL’s history after Punjab Kings bought him for 18.50 crore. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and Cameron Green also went big.

One surprising pick that went for big money was West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran. Lucknow Super Giants spent 16 crore (US$2million) on the 27-year-old, which left many shocked.

Pooran has had his moments of fame in the IPL, but his overall stats are disappointing, which is why fans felt that Pooran has been overpaid by the KL Rahul-led franchise.

In 47 matches in his IPL career, Pooran has scored 912 runs, including four fifty-plus scores.

Lucknow Super Giant’s Global Mentor, Gautam Gambhir, responded to the trolls and criticism of Pooran and justified the big spending on the Caribbean star.

Gambhir said that he does not judge a player by last year’s performance, but looks at his impact on the game.

“I do not look at the last season. I look at a player’s ability and impact. Pooran can win us 2-3 matches, and with age on his side, we wanted him to build the team around him.”

“The tournament is not about scoring 500-600 runs in a season. It is about winning matches by scoring impactful runs.” (Sportsmax)