West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran, by all accounts, is a very talented player, who could do great things on the international scene, and his 38 not out to help his side to an 8-wicket win over India in the second T20 between the two in Thiruvanthapuram on Sunday is evidence of that fact.
According to Pooran though, his talent isn’t enough to help him do well for the West Indies or even keep his place, and that he has to work hard.
“I work very hard and happy it's finally paid off. I believe in my processes and glad it's coming off,” said Pooran, who came to the crease with the West Indies on 112-2 in chase of India’s 170 in the 14th over.
Six overs later it was all over, as Pooran took over from Lendl Simmons, who scored a classy 67 from 45 deliveries, slamming four boundaries and two sixes in 18 balls to take the West Indies to 173-2
That type of innings, Pooran said, was not difficult, because the hard work has already been done.
“Cricket's all about having fun. I've put in a lot of hard work, so now is time for having fun,” he said.
Pooran explained after the game that places in the middle order of the West Indies side comes at a premium with the type of talent that lies in it but that was good for the team.
“There's a bit of competition in the middle order, but we all want to do good, that's all,” he said.
Earlier Evin Lewis had scored 40 and Shimron Hetmyer, 23, in a bid to chase down India’s 170, which they were restricted to thanks to Hayden Walsh Jr’s 2-28 and Kesrick Williams’ 2-30.
Those bowling figures, along with the start from Lewis and Simmons, meant there was no pressure for Pooran.
“To be honest, we had no pressure. Tried not to panic, tried to build partnerships.”