Aakash Chopra schools Justin Langer with facts after LSG coach defends Nicholas Pooran 'Super Over' move

Former India opener Aakash Chopra criticized Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer over a controversial Super Over decision. Aakash Chopra questioned Langer’s call to send Nicholas Pooran to face Sunil Narine in the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), stating that the move lacked clarity.

The Super Giants suffered a heartbreaking Super Over defeat to the Knight Riders at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, April 26. The loss pushed them to the bottom of the points table, further worsening their campaign and increasing pressure on the team management to make better decisions.

Aakash Chopra Questions Justin Langer’s Decision to Send Nicholas Pooran in Super Over

Reacting to Justin Langer’s post-match comments, Aakash Chopra disagreed with the decision to send Nicholas Pooran against Sunil Narine in the Super Over, especially given the matchup and Pooran’s recent struggles.

"In the meantime—Pooran’s Super Over Records in the IPL and vs Narine. Three Super Overs - zero runs. Three Super Overs vs Narine - 1 run. Yes, years ago, but Narine also bowled a maiden Super Over to Pooran,” Aakash Chopra wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"The less we speak about Pooran’s poor returns this season, the better. Not hating on Pooran at all…but there are incredibly intelligent people in the dugout to figure out these things," he added.

In the meantime—
Pooran’s Super Over Records in the IPL and vs Narine.

Three Super Overs— Zero Runs
Three Super Overs vs Narine—1 Run.

Yes, years ago, but Narine also bowled a maiden Super Over to Pooran.

The less we speak about Pooran’s poor returns this season, the… pic.twitter.com/GocISCabey

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 27, 2026

He’s Seen Sunil Narine More Than Anyone - Justin Langer on Nicholas Pooran

Justin Langer justified his highly controversial tactical decision. Langer claimed that Nicholas Pooran had immense experience facing Sunil Narine globally, making the left-handed batter their best available option to chase the target against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

"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 stated.

"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?" he further elaborated.

Nicholas Pooran Struggles Throughout Indian Premier League Season

Nicholas Pooran endured a disastrous moment, getting dismissed for a first-ball duck as Sunil Narine cleaned him up while attempting an ambitious slog sweep. As a result, the Lucknow Super Giants managed just a single run in the crucial tie-breaking over.

During the regular innings before the Super Over, Pooran once again failed to make an impact with the bat. The left-hander scored only nine runs off 12 deliveries before Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed him, continuing his poor run of scores in the ongoing tournament.

In IPL 2026, Pooran has scored just 82 runs from eight innings at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Notably, he scored at an outstanding 196.25 strike rate last year. The Super Giants retained Pooran for Rs 21 crore ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

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