MULTAN, Pakistan– Nicholas Pooran says he is not worried by his form or captaincy as he prepares to lead West Indies in their final One-Day International of the three-match series against Pakistan here Sunday.
Named to replace fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard, Pooran led West Indies to a clean sweep of the Netherlands series earlier this month but has overseen defeats in the first two ODIs against Pakistan this week.
He has averaged 14 in his first five matches as full-time captain with the highest score of 25 but believes his lull in form is only temporary.
“I’m an honest person, and coming here from the IPL, I felt like came here in perfect form as well,” Pooran told a media conference on Saturday.
“I didn’t make any runs in the Netherlands series … but I’m not worried; I’m not frustrated. Again, I believe in my talent. Once I get a start, I want to go deep for my team and myself.
West Indies white-ball captain celebrates a wicket during the Pakistan series.
“I’m that kind of batsman where I rise to the occasion and put my hand up all the time when I’m there, so I’m not worried about myself.
“I want to perform every game for my team; I want to be there and try to win games for my team. I feel like I’m batting good, but it’s just for me to go big when I get that start, and I think things will be alright.”
Pollard had struggled to get the best out of the Caribbean side, leading to a winless start to the year with a series of defeats to Ireland in the region and powerhouses India away.
And Pooran’s appointment last month marked a reboot of sorts, with selectors also opting for several fresh faces to rebuild the squad ahead of next year’s Cricket World Cup.
Pooran, 26, who has played 42 ODIs since his debut 3-½ years ago, believes one of his key roles will be to mold a strong sense of cohesiveness in the inexperienced squad.
“It’s a challenging job. It’s not easy. I’m enjoying the experience so far,” he pointed out.
“We won in the Netherlands. We haven’t won a game in Pakistan yet, but I’m enjoying it. We’re trying to build a family here with the guys; we’re trying to learn from each other and get better, and only time will tell.
“I feel like at the beginning of the story, it’s never really easy, it’s challenging, and we understand that as a young group and we’re enjoying everyone’s company and success so far, and that is something that I think is going to be crucial for us in the future.
“We’re taking it to step by step. Myself, I’m taking it to step by step. Many people expect a lot of things from me, whether I’m batting or captaining, and that is where I need to look at myself and rise above the challenges.”
Though the series has already been lost, Pooran said it was important West Indies remained motivated to win Sunday’s final game, with ICC Super League points still up for grabs.
“We lost the series, but it’s not done and dusted for us. We need to win that game to get ten points. That’s very crucial for us.”
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