West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has become the first batsman in T20 cricket history to score more than 150 sixes in a calendar year. So far this year, the left-handed batter has smacked 151 maximums in just 63 innings and is bound to add more with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in progress. Pooran is playing for Trinbago Knight Riders in the tournament and crossed the 150 sixes mark during his unbeaten 93-run knock off 43 balls against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 25th match of the season.
Pooran smashed seven sixes during his match-winning innings to create history. A couple of games, he had also ended Chris Gayle's supremacy becoming the player to hit most sixes in a calendar year. Gayle had smacked 135 sixes in a single calendar year and he is the only player to hit more than 100 or more sixes in a year a staggering six times.
Most Sixes in a Calendar Year
Coming back to Nicholas Pooran, during his 93-run knock, he also completed 2000 T20 runs this year becoming only the second player to do so. Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan is the first player to cross the 2000-run mark in a calendar year and he did it in 2021. Rizwan had amassed 2036 runs in only 45 innings at an average of 56.55 with a century and 18 fifties to his name.
Pooran has a great chance to break this all-time record as well with Trinbago Knight Riders scheduled to play St Lucia Kings in the 26th match of CPL 2024 on Tuesday (September 24). The southpaw is in great form in the ongoing CPL edition having scored 275 runs in only seven matches at a strike rate of 176.28 and will be keen on breaking more records by the end of 2024.
Nicholas Pooran's Remarkable Journey
Pooran's achievement is even more remarkable considering his journey back from a life-threatening car accident in 2015. The incident, which occurred when he was just 19 years old, left him with serious injuries and his career was on the brink of ending. But, Pooran showed incredible determination and resilience to make a comeback and is now one of the most exciting T20 batsmen in the world.
In a 2015 interview, Pooran recounted the accident: “I was coming back home from training, driving,” Pooran had told ESPNcricinfo website. “I was close to home and a car was overtaking another car, so I pulled away. I hit a sand heap and then I came back onto the road and another vehicle hit me. I was knocked out and then I couldn’t remember what happened. I just woke up at the accident and I was like, ‘How did this happen?’ I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that this happened. I was taken in an ambulance, couldn’t move my legs,” said Pooran.
The accident left him with a ruptured left patellar tendon and a fractured right ankle, which required two surgeries. His recovery took over 18 months but he eventually returned to the game. Pooran has since gone on to become a key player for West Indies and has also impressed in various T20 leagues around the world.
His Journey to Recovery and Rise to Stardom
Pooran's journey back from the car accident has inspired many. He has shown the world that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to achieve great things with determination and hard work. His story is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
Pooran has also credited his connection with India’s star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for helping him during his difficult recovery period. “It’s very challenging. It’s one where no one understands. Sometimes, I can remember… I have been chatting with Rishabh obviously. Both of us have a really good relationship. But there are times when you go into a place where you’re very depressed, and frustrated, because you want the healing process to happen so fast. But it’s difficult,” Pooran had said.
Pooran's incredible talent and determination have made him one of the most sought-after T20 players in the world. He has played in various leagues around the world and has consistently delivered excellent performances. His ability to hit big sixes and score runs at a rapid pace has made him a fan favorite.
Pooran’s achievement of hitting 150 sixes in a calendar year is a testament to his incredible talent and power. It is an achievement that is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. He is now on the cusp of breaking the world record for most T20 runs in a calendar year, which is currently held by Mohammad Rizwan. With the CPL in full swing and a few more T20 leagues to come, Pooran is well-positioned to break this record as well. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the remaining months of the year and if he can cement his place as the best T20 batsman in the world.
The Road to the Top: A Year of Dominance
Pooran's journey this year is one of dominance. He has been consistently among the highest run-scorers in every T20 tournament he has played. This has cemented his status as one of the most feared batsmen in the world. The fact that he achieved this feat while battling injuries and hardships shows the true extent of his dedication to the game.
As we reach the end of 2024, Pooran's name is etched in the history books as the first batsman to reach the 150-sixes mark in a calendar year. He has made the world sit up and take notice of his incredible batting ability and his will to succeed. Pooran is showing no signs of slowing down and is set to continue his dominance in the world of T20 cricket in the years to come.
The Legacy of Nicholas Pooran
Pooran's story is one of resilience, determination, and talent. He has overcome immense challenges to achieve greatness in the game of cricket. His journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world. His name will be forever etched in the history of T20 cricket as a trailblazer who broke records and inspired millions.
Pooran's journey reminds us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself. He has shown us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to achieve greatness. Nicholas Pooran is a true champion and a role model for cricketers and fans alike.
