Why Was Nicholas Pooran Sent To Bat In IPL Super Over? LSG Break Silence

Nicholas Pooran's torrid run continued in LSG vs KKR [Source: AP]

Nicholas Pooran sustained his lean patch in the IPL 2026, registering yet another low score in the tournament. After being dismissed for nine runs during the Super Giants' run chase, Pooran was cleaned up for a duck in the Super Over. 

The high-voltage clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders witnessed a thrilling finish, as the tourists pipped the home team in the Super Over. Batting first, KKR posted 155 runs in 20 overs, riding on a sensational half-century from Rinku Singh. 

Although LSG managed to tie the game, the Knight Riders bossed the Super Over, securing a comfortable victory in the end. 

Nicholas Pooran's entry in Super Over surprises fans and critics

Destructive West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran was in the form of his life last season. The southpaw hammered 524 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 196.25. 

However, his fate has turned upside down in the ongoing IPL season, as Pooran has managed only 82 runs across eight outings. Although Pooran hit a glorious six off Varun Chakaravarthy, the Indian spin maestro dismissed him eventually for nine runs. 

Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja Mocks Nicholas Pooran; Keeps LSG Star In His Pocket With Fiery Celebration

It's worth noting that Nicholas Pooran has a poor record in IPL Super Overs, having registered multiple ducks. Additionally, he has historically struggled to dominate Narine in T20 matches. 

Therefore, considering his persistent struggles and unfavourable matchup against Sunil Narine, it made little sense when the Super Giants promoted Pooran ahead of their in-form batters like Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni to face the legendary spinner. 

The move backfired on the hosts, as Narine castled the left-handed batter in the very first ball. The Super Giants eventually lost the contest despite restricting their opponents to a paltry total. 

Justin Langer explains why LSG sent Nicholas Pooran in the Super Over

After the game concluded, LSG head coach Justin Langer explained why the team management preferred the out-of-form Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over. 

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Langer said they thought Pooran could neutralise Narine, having played a lot of T20 cricket against him. 

"We knew that Sunil Narine was the bowler, and if you look at Nicky's record, he's seen Narine more than anyone in world cricket. So, we felt he was still the best," Langer said. 

The former Australian opener added that although Pooran has yet to overcome his torrid run, he's one of LSG's best players when it comes to power-hitting. 

Therefore, the think tank decided to back him to finish things off and boost his morale ahead of the upcoming matches. 

"I know he hasn't hit his form yet, and Nicky will be the first [to admit that], but we thought if anyone can handle a Super Over, it's Nicky Pooran. And you back your best players, right? That's what you do," Langer explained. 

Nicholas Pooran's place in serious threat

As mentioned earlier, Pooran has been a pale shadow of himself in the IPL this season. As he hasn't lived up to the expectations, the West Indies batter could be sidelined from the LSG playing XI, with either Matthew Breetzke or Josh Inglis likely to replace him in the lineup. 

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