Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden praised Nicholas Pooran and hailed him as the cleanest batsman in the world after his impressive batting performance for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Hayden expressed his admiration for Pooran’s batting prowess after the West Indies batsman’s outstanding performance against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He highlighted the crucial role Pooran played in turning the game in Chennai’s favor against CSK.
Despite finding himself in a challenging situation at the crease, Pooran’s explosive batting blitz provided the much-needed momentum for LSG in their quest for a record 211-run chase against the CSK. Pooran (34 runs off 15 balls) along with Marcus Stoinis added 70 runs off just 34 balls to bring LSG back into the game against CSK.
Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest batsman in the world: Matthew Hayden
Marcus Stoinis played a memorable unbeaten knock of 124 runs off just 63 balls to take LSG over the line, with the tourists winning the game by 6 wickets against CSK in Chennai. Meanwhile, Hayden highlighted Pooran’s versatility as a batsman, saying the hard-hitting batsman has a wide range of shots and is capable of handling any bowling attack.
The commentator said that Devdutt Padikkal’s innings of 13 runs in 19 balls put a lot of pressure on Marcus Stoinis and his wicket favored LSG by bringing in Nicholas Pooran, who he described as the cleanest batsman in the IPL.
The former Australian cricketer also highlighted the competitive dynamic between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Stoinis, describing it as a competition within a competition between stabilizers and finishers.
Hayden also praised Shivam Dube (66 runs off 27 balls) and Pooran for their explosive batting performances and Deepak Hooda (17 runs off 6 balls) for his valuable contribution in the match.
Matthew Hayden said on Star Sports: “I think Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest batsman in the world in this IPL. Such a talented free hitter of the ball.”
Matthew Hayden reveals his conversation with Justin Langer
Meanwhile, Hayden also revealed his conversation with LSG head coach Justin Langer about Pooran’s batting position in the ongoing IPL 2024.
The Australian shared two viewpoints on Pooran’s role in the LSG and mentioned that they can utilize his skills by deploying him at the 5th or 6th position to finish games and win the games.
Alternatively, Pooran could partner Stoinis earlier in the innings, perhaps at No. 4, providing stability and batting depth as he does in international cricket. Hayden admitted that the LSG was comfortable with Pooran’s current role further down the order, but suggested using him tactically to overcome difficult situations and move the team forward.
Hayden said: “Obviously they are still very comfortable playing his role for LSG further down the order. But I think there is still room for maneuver as the tournament gets a little tighter and pressure on the scoreboard becomes an option. You want to have an experienced national player there who can take the team forward.”