![Rishabh Pant with Nicholas Pooran [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1758527345809_Rishabh_Pant_And_Pooran.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant with Nicholas Pooran [Source: AFP]
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) find themselves in an interesting situation heading into the next IPL season. Their current skipper, Rishabh Pant, comes with star power and fan following but had a poor outing with the bat in IPL 2025.
In 14 innings, he managed just 269 runs at an average of 24.25. Under his leadership, LSG played 14 matches, winning 6 and losing 8, finishing with a win rate of only 42.85%.
On the other hand, former West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran has been in top form and just proved his leadership skills by guiding Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title on Monday.
With the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) considering leadership changes, Pooran’s name has emerged as a strong candidate. But is he really the right choice? Let’s look at his pros and cons.
Which factors go in Pooran's favour?
Excellent current form
Pooran is enjoying a purple patch with the bat. In CPL 2025, he was the second-highest run-scorer with 426 runs in 13 innings, striking at 133.12 and averaging 42.60. Importantly, captaincy did not affect his batting, which shows he can handle pressure well.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | 50s |
| N Pooran | 13 | 426 | 43 | 133 | 4 |
[Pooran stats in CPL]
Notably, in the IPL, Pooran has emerged as one of LSG’s most dependable batters. In the 2025 season alone, he piled up 524 runs in 14 innings at a staggering strike rate of 196, among the very best in the league.
His explosive presence in the middle order has been a game-changer for the franchise. As a result, LSG chose to retain him for ₹21 crore. This, in turn, suggests that Pooran not only adds value with the bat but also has the potential to step up as the captain LSG might be searching for.
Successful as captain in franchise leagues
Pooran has shown leadership skills in T20 leagues. Under his captaincy, TKR won 9 out of 13 matches in CPL 2025 and lifted the trophy for the fifth time.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost |
| TKR under Pooran (2025) | 13 | 9 | 4 |
In addition, he also took charge of MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, after already guiding them to the final in the 2023 season. Moreover, Pooran played a pivotal role in MI New York’s championship triumph during the inaugural MLC season in 2023, where he not only led from the front but also finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
The factors that go against Pooran
Poor Record as International Captain
When he led the West Indies, results were disappointing. Out of 23 matches as captain, the team managed just 8 wins and suffered 14 defeats. His lack of success at the highest level raises concerns.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Win % |
| West Indies | 23 | 8 | 14 | 35 |
Inexperience in IPL captaincy
Pooran has only captained LSG once in his career. While he won that match, his limited experience in handling the pressure of IPL leadership might be a drawback compared to seasoned Indian captains.
Conclusion
Nicholas Pooran is without doubt in the best form of his career and has proven himself as a captain in the CPL. His explosive batting and ability to inspire teammates are big positives. At the same time, his unimpressive stint as West Indies captain and his lack of experience in IPL captaincy cannot be overlooked.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant brings unmatched brand value, which is important for the franchise off the field. Still, given Pooran’s exceptional form, he remains a serious contender. Ultimately, the decision rests with the LSG management, whether they prioritise performance on the pitch or brand value.
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