Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is looking forward to watching West Indies and Kings XI Punjab batsman Nicholas Pooran in the upcoming season of the league. Gambhir stated that we often talk about AB de Villiers, who is known for his 360-degree play, but he feels Pooran has all kinds of shots in his rich repertoire.

The southpaw from the Caribbean, is still young in his IPL career as he has scored 168 runs in seven matches. Pooran has played a total of 21 T20I matches in which he has scored 353 runs. The left-hander has thus far failed to grab his opportunities in the T20 format and he would aim to turn the tables in the upcoming season of the league.

However, the left-hander from Trinidad has done a fine job in the ODI format. The 24-year old has amassed 932 runs in 25 ODI matches at an impressive average of 49.05. Pooran has shown the skills to go a long way in his career and he would look to deliver the goods for Kings XI Punjab.

Gambhir added that Pooran can play both kinds of sweeps, which will be a handy shot against the spinners in the UAE conditions. Furthermore, the left-hander has the skills to play the big shots for his team.

“For me, Nicholas Pooran is the young player I would like to watch in this IPL. We talk about AB de Villiers as a 360-degree player but Nicholas Pooran has all types of shots. He can play the reverse sweep, normal sweep and is capable of playing the big shots,” Gambhir said during a discussion on Star Sports’ chat show Cricket Connected.

Moreover, Gambhir has confidence in Kings XI Punjab’s head coach Anil Kumble. Gambhir feels the former legendary spinner will be able to get the best out of Nicholas Pooran.

The southpaw will also have the company of players like Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and he can also learn from these batsmen. Pooran is expected to bat in the middle order for KXIP.

Kings XI Punjab will play their opening match against Delhi Capitals on 20th September at Dubai International Stadium.