EX-India wicket-keeper identifies LSG's biggest problem ahead of RCB clash
Published - 15 Apr 2026, 06:48 PM | Updated - 15 Apr 2026, 06:50 PM
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are going through a worrying phase in the ongoing IPL 2026, as their batting lineup is not clicking at all. The main concern is LSG’s top and middle order, as their inconsistent performances are hurting them badly this season.
Ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ big IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru on April 15, former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim has raised serious concerns about the team’s top order and middle order as they aim to make a strong comeback.
Lucknow Super Giants batting struggle continues in IPL 2026
The former Indian selector has pointed out that LSG may need urgent changes in their batting lineup to stop the batting collapse going forward in the tournament. Actually, LSG has had a mixed season so far with two wins and two defeats, but their last outing exposed their weakness badly.
Read Also: Nicholas Pooran has a health issue: Irfan Pathan makes shocking claim while slamming LSG star
The Lucknow Super Giants could only manage 164/8 and eventually lost the game to the Gujarat Titans at home, and this batting collapse once again raised questions about their top-order performance. One of their biggest concerns is the form of their Australian opener Mitchell Marsh.
Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran under fire
Marsh has so far failed to provide solid starts to LSG as he has scored only 75 runs across the four innings. His lack of impact at the top has slowed down the team’s momentum. Along with him, middle-order batter Nicholas Pooran has also been struggling badly.
Pooran was expected to be the backbone of the middle order, but he has managed just 41 runs in four matches. Because of these two overseas stars’ struggle with the bat, LSG has failed to make a strong impact so far in the ongoing tournament and is sitting seventh on the table with 4 points.
LSG urged to act fast as Saba Karim calls for big batting change
Given the situation, Karim has suggested that LSG must try new options like Matthew Breetzke. The former BCCI official feels the Lucknow team should not wait too long for Marsh’s return to form, as it could impact their chances in the ongoing tournament.
Saba Karim said on ESPNCricinfo, "I'm looking at a deeper problem here. And I think the quicker they're able to address this issue, it'll be better for LSG. For instance, Mitch Marsh—I was looking at his form even in the T20 World Cup. Except for one or two innings where he looked very comfortable, otherwise he did struggle, especially in Sri Lanka, with the wickets.
Pooran struggled in ILT20. So, these batting woes are hitting LSG in a very bad manner. And I think it's time now for them to replace... Mitch Marsh is a big problem. Matthew Breetzke as an opener. I think this is the time to make that change.”
Aaron Finch warns Lucknow Super Giants of their batting struggles in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, former Australia captain Aaron Finch also pointed out that big players like Pooran have not been able to deliver, and that is affecting the entire batting unit. He noted that LSG batters’ batting stats are the lowest in the competition, and they also lacked consistency.
Finch said on the same show, “They can't really get into a rhythm at the top of the order. And then Pooran has been horribly out of form. That's a real concern because you've put a lot of your salary cap and you've put a lot of your resources into that position in the middle order there, and he's been shuffled around, and he needs to find some form.”
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