Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a massive announcement on Thursday (February 29) revealing their new vice-captain of the season. LSG, who hade made it to the Playoffs in each of their last appearances in the tournament, revealed that it would be the West Indian star Nicholas Pooran who will be the deputy to KL Rahul in terms of leadership responsibilities in IPL 2024.
The decision implies that Pooran will replace Krunal Pandya as the vice-captain of the side in the franchise. After KL Rahul was ruled out of IPL 2023 midway through the season due to an injury, it was Krunal who had led the side. However, this year if a similar situation arises LSG will turn to Pooran who has had leadership experience both in international and franchise cricket.
LSG took to social media to make the official announcement. "KL Rahul (C) Nicholas Pooran (VC) This season feels special already 💙," a picture of the two was captioned.
Take a look at LSG's post here:
LSG Hand Jersey Number 29 Handed Over To Nicholas Pooran
Rahul handed over jersey number 29 to Pooran, as can be seen in the picture shared by the franchise. Pooran brings in rich leadership experience apart from his stroke making which comes to its own in this format of the game. He recently led the MI Emirates in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2024. It remains to be seen whether his promotion in the leadership department means a change in their fortunes for LSG who are yet to play an IPL final despite playing some consistent cricket in the league stage.
With Rahul also set to be available for an entire season, unless anything unforeseen happens, LSG would be eyeing to get their hands on the trophy this edition of the T20 tournament set to commence on March 22. LSG will begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 24 at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur.