Nicholas Pooran achieves landmark 2000 IPL runs, becomes fifth West Indian to the milestone

Nicholas Pooran etched his name into the IPL record books with a blistering unbeaten knock of 87 off just 36 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, becoming only the fifth West Indies player to score over 2000 runs in the Indian Premier League.

The Lucknow Super Giants’ vice-captain joined the elite club alongside legends Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Smith, and Andre Russell. Pooran’s destructive innings saw him reclaim the Orange Cap for the 2025 season, ending the match as the leading run-scorer with 288 runs.

Pooran powers past 2000 with match-winning knock

Facing a KKR bowling attack on a pitch that initially offered some assistance to the bowlers, Pooran launched a calculated onslaught after entering the crease. He reached his half-century in just 21 balls, marking his fourth-fastest fifty in the tournament for LSG. With seven fours and eight sixes, the former West Indies skipper struck at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 241.67.

Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Pooran stayed true to his aggressive instincts, capitalizing on the foundation laid by openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.

Marsh-Markram duo sets the tone

The LSG innings started positively with Mitchell Marsh (81 off 46) and Aiden Markram (47 off 28) stitching a 99-run opening partnership. Their steady start allowed Pooran to explode later in the innings.

After Markram’s dismissal, Marsh changed gears, while Pooran ensured the momentum never dropped. Abdul Samad and David Miller followed, with captain Rishabh Pant surprisingly demoting himself in the batting order.

Lucknow eventually posted a daunting 238/4 — one of the highest team totals this IPL season — largely driven by Pooran’s fireworks.

West Indies’ elite IPL run-scorers (as of April 2025)

Player	IPL Runs
Chris Gayle	4965
Kieron Pollard	3412
Dwayne Smith	2385
Andre Russell	2370
Nicholas Pooran	2025*

(*approximate current tally post KKR match)

Pooran’s milestone reflects not just his form in IPL 2025, but also his consistent growth in franchise cricket over the years. He has evolved into a reliable match-winner for LSG and continues to be one of the most feared middle-order batters in the format.

With the season still in its early stages, Pooran has the opportunity to further solidify his legacy among IPL’s elite, and potentially guide LSG deeper into the tournament.

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