"Below par": Nicholas Pooran blasts at batting unit after humilating loss vs RCB in IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran gave an honest verdict on the team's recent outings while also giving a clear insight into his batting form. The LSG skipper stepped in after Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to injury.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru controlled the innings with the bat after dominating the LSG batters with the ball. The pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Dar produced a special effort as they shared seven wickets between them, while Hazlewood remained the pick of the bowlers with his economical spells.

The RCB batters then dominated the batting innings, as Virat Kohli top-scored for them, and then the rest of the batters piled on some more runs. This helped RCB chase down the target in no time, as they won the match with 5 wickets in hand.

RCB bowlers dominate LSG batters in their comeback at the Chinnaswamy

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to field at their home ground in the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Patidar's decision paid off for the Royal Challengers, as it seemed a tough pitch to bat on.

The ball held onto the surface, and RCB bowlers showed some remarkable accuracy throughout all phases of the game. Josh Hazlewood bowled a very economical spell, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam handed them the crucial breakthrough.

Krunal Pandya controlled the middle overs with the two crucial wickets and his economical overs. The LSG batters ended up with a score of 146, the lowest for any team that played their full quota of 20 overs in this season of the IPL.

RCB batters dominated on the batting front, as they finished in the top spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters dominated the batting front, despite Phil Salt being dismissed early within the power play. However, Virat Kohli dominated the powerplay, giving the team a promising start.

Kohli missed his half-century by just one run, but had set the platform for RCB's win. Patidar and Jitesh Sharma further helped them to accelerate, as 59 runs were needed in the last 10 overs of the game.

However, they helped them excel in the innings, as Patidar scored 27 off just 13 balls while Jitesh added 23 runs off just 9 balls. Lastly, David and Shepherd helped them chase the target with ease, reaching it with 29 balls remaining. They have now reached the top of the IPL 2026 points table.

It's T20 cricket. It's a tough game- Nicholas Pooran points out the reason behind his team's struggles

Nicholas Pooran admitted that the team struggled with the bat and were restricted to a low total. He said, "It's been a tough season for us; we've been below par with the bat. 175 would've been competitive. But it's no secret we have been struggling with the bat the entire season, and today we paid the price."

"It's T20 cricket. It's a tough game. It's a tough game to stay consistent, as well. But the guys have been really working hard, and we're ready for them. We'll try to fight it out as well. And I just believe it's a matter of time. Just stay patient, be ready for the opportunity, and take it on the team," Nicholas Pooran added.

Pooran also opined that he is striking the ball well; however, things have not gone his way, which has been a bit unfortunate for them. "I'm feeling really good and striking the ball nicely. Unfortunately, it hasn't been going my way this time in the tournament. But that's happened before. I've been in this position already; I know how to fight. And I believe I'll get out of this," he concluded.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli provides official update on ankle injury after RCB vs LSG clash