Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden heaped praise on Nicholas Pooran, hailing him as the cleanest hitter in the world after his stunning batting for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Hayden showed his admiration for Pooran’s batting prowess after the West Indies batter’s outstanding performance for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He highlighted the crucial role played by Pooran in turning the match in favor of the LSG against the CSK in Chennai.
Despite coming during a challenging situation at the crease, Pooran’s explosive batting blitz provided much-needed momentum for LSG in their quest for a record chase of 211 runs against the CSK. Pooran (34 runs off 15 balls) added 70 runs off just 34 balls with Marcus Stoinis to bring the LSG back into the game against the CSK.
Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest hitter in the world: Matthew Hayden
Marcus Stoinis played a memorable unbeaten knock of 124 runs off just 63 balls to take the LSG over the line, with the tourists winning the game by 6 wickets against the CSK in Chennai. Meanwhile, Hayden highlighted Pooran’s versatility as a batter, saying the hard-hitting batter has a wide array of shots and is capable of handling any bowling attack.
The commentator said that Devdutt Padikkal’s innings of 13 runs off 19 balls put a lot of pressure on Marcus Stoinis, and his wicket favored LSG by bringing in Nicholas Pooran, whom he hailed as the cleanest hitter in the IPL.
The former Australian cricketer also highlighted the competitive dynamic between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Stoinis, describing it as a contest within a contest between stabilizers and finishers.
Hayden also lauded Shivam Dube (66 runs off 27 balls) and Pooran for their explosive batting performances, along with Deepak Hooda (17 runs off 6 balls) for his valuable contribution in the match.
Speaking on Star Sports, Matthew Hayden said: “Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest hitter in the world, I think, 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 regarding Pooran’s batting position in the ongoing IPL 2024.
Sharing two viewpoints on Pooran’s role in the LSG, the Aussie mentioned that they can utilize his ability by using him in the 5th or 6th position to finish games and win the matches.
Alternatively, Pooran could partner with Stoinis earlier in the innings, possibly at the 4th position, providing stability and batting depth, as he does in international cricket. Hayden admitted the LSG’s comfort with Pooran’s current role lower down the order but suggested using him tactically to go through tight situations and propel the team forward.
Hayden said, “Obviously, they’re still really comfortable in playing his role for LSG down the order. But there’s still, I think, room as the tournament gets a little tighter and scoreboard pressure becomes an option. You want an experienced international player there to take it forward for the team.”