There has been a transformation in the game of batsman Nicolas Pooran this year and his coach thinks that it has to do with the intrepid cricket mind of the young cricketer.
Pooran's talent has been touted long ago after his exploits with the Windies Under-19 team at the World Cup some years ago. Since then he has given glimpses of his prowess without really being consistent. This year he made a change around by being one of the more consistent players for the Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and also for T&T Red Force in the Super50.
He was not done there as he moved on to the Emirates Twenty20 (T20) in Dubai and was voted best batsman, as he played a big hand in his team Northern Warriors winning the title. He scored the most runs 324 with a highest of 77 off 25 balls. He also struck the most sixes 33 in the tournament. For good measure, he was involved in the highest partnership worth 110 with fellow countryman Lendl Simmons.
Over the past two years, Pooran has been frequenting the Kumar Rampat coaching Academy in California, Couva, where he has been working with coach Krishan V Rampat.
Rampat who was employed at the University of T&T ( UTT) but has resigned his position to focus on his academy's commitments and his role with Pooran, who he said will be a future star of the game.
Rampat, who is the son of former Windies Cricket Development Officer Kumar Rampat, has spent many hours with the left-hander and has been in constant contact with him sharing advice no matter where in the world the southpaw is playing.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Rampat said: "I have been working, interacting with Nicholas Pooran for the past two years. He responds to suggestions easily and is willing to try strategies recommended. Much of what we discussed I saw him apply in the recent Sharjah T10. To sum it up he has an indomitable and fearless cricket mind.”
Rampat thinks that he will serve T&T and regional cricket well.
"With the talent that he has and more importantly the attitude he has developed, Pooran will definitely make a great contribution to T&T and West Indies cricket. He has a great appetite for the game and has shown that thirst for knowledge. No matter what time of the night, he will message and seek consultation on his game and definitely he is one to look out for."