Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batsman Nicholas Pooran has faced massive criticism for his form and body language on the field after another flop during his team’s crushing seven-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Sunday, April 12.

Nicholas Pooran’s disappointing run continued in the ongoing season as the West Indies star managed just 19 runs off 21 balls while Lucknow Super Giants could only muster 164/8 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Stadium.

Nicholas Pooran under fire after another failure for Lucknow Super Giants

GT later chased down the target in 19 overs. So far this season, Pooran has scored just 41 runs in four matches as he has been struggling mightily in his new middle-order role in the LSG side. There were high expectations after a great retention, but the West Indies batsman’s performances have raised big questions over his place in the team.

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After the match in Lucknow, former Indian player Ravichandran Ashwin openly questioned Pooran’s impact on the team. He noted that he is not showing enough intent, energy or consistency that is expected of a senior player in such an important role.

Please give Nicholas Pooran a break: Ravichandran Ashwin to LSG

Ashwin also pointed out that LSG invested Rs 21 crore in Pooran, so the returns should match that confidence. The commentator also suggested that Lucknow Super Giants should give Pooran a break and consider other batting options to make a stronger comeback.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “Nicholas Pooran is a big cause of concern, a big cause of concern. I don’t know how he is on the field. What have they not given him? LSG retained him as an opener; he has to pay back the dividends.

You have to get Josh Inglis into this team somehow; Even Matthew Breetzke will do. Please give Nicholas Pooran a break.”

Ashwin calls for Rishabh Pant to open for LSG amid IPL 2026 struggles

He also explained that changes in LSG’s top order have pushed Pooran into the middle order, which has affected his natural game. However, Ashwin feels that the LSG team needs better use of powerplays and smarter batting roles to improve the overall score in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Ashwin further added, “People were telling me why I was advocating for Rishabh Pant to open the innings. Rishabh Pant no longer hits sixes in T20 cricket. This season, before the match against GT, he had not hit a single six. I said Pant should open because he will be able to use the fielding limitations. If he plays the first six overs and scores 35-40 runs, then there will be a rhythm.”

Big boost for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 as Jos Buttler returns to form

Talking about the Gujarat Titans, Ashwin said that it is great news for the franchise that Jos Buttler has found his rhythm again after his stunning knock of 60 runs off 37 balls against LSG. Earlier, Buttler had also smashed a fifty against the Delhi Capitals.

He also added that there were earlier concerns about Buttler’s form during the 2026 T20 World Cup as he did not look at his best. But now he believes Buttler is back to fitness and that could make GT much stronger going forward in the tournament.

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