'LSG can get Justin Langer to come out and bat': Rishabh Pant’s team brutally trolled by ex-India star

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have found themselves in serious trouble in the ongoing IPL 2026 following their crushing loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 15 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This defeat has made things even worse for the LSG.

After being asked to bat first by the RCB captain Rajat Patidar, LSG’s star-studded batting lineup failed badly, leaving everyone shocked and disappointed. Lucknow’s start turned into a complete collapse, and they could manage only 146 runs in 20 overs against the defending champions.

This total was never going to be enough at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and RCB eventually chased down the target in 15.1 overs with five wickets in hand to jump to the top of the points table.

Murali Kartik issues stern warning to LSG after heavy loss to RCB

After the match, former India spinner Murali Kartik questioned Lucknow Super Giants’ batting strength. He said that they are not just struggling with form but also lack strong backup options on the bench, which is making the situation tougher for them in the tournament.

Read Also: Rishabh Pant torn apart by India legend for “zero contribution” to LSG in IPL 2026

The biggest concern for LSG right now is their main batters not performing. Captain Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh are badly struggling with the bat.

None of these key players have crossed even 125 runs this season, which clearly shows how badly the batting unit is struggling. Mainly, LSG’s big signing Pooran’s form is hurting them badly. Interestingly, lower middle-order batter Mukul Choudhary is currently the team’s top scorer with 127 runs.

They can get Justin Langer to come out and bat: Murali Kartik

Given the situation, Kartik pointed out that LSG needs something to change quickly; otherwise, their campaign will end after a couple of games this season.

Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz: “They have nothing much in the reserves, too. They have Himmat Singh, who is more of a hitter, and Akshat Raghuwanshi, who has some pedigree. But after that, they can get Justin Langer (head coach) to come out and bat. It's getting tougher for them, though.”

The broadcaster further added, “Some switch needs to be flicked where these batters, who were your lynchpins last year, click. How can Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran get a semblance of form? Especially Pooran, who is looking woefully out of touch.”

Read Also: Rishabh Pant out of IPL 2026! Shocking verdict dropped by Ex-BCCI selector

Murali Kartik in awe for the chase master Virat Kohli

On the other side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made the chase look so easy. Virat Kohli led the charge with a smart and controlled innings of 49 runs from just 34 balls and proved why he remains the best chaser in the IPL. Kartik lauded Kohli’s special ability in run chases.

The former Indian spinner has pointed out that the RCB icon understands the game situation perfectly and knows exactly when to accelerate and when to slow down, which makes him so dangerous, especially while chasing targets.

Karthik signed off by saying, “Nobody needs to be told how good Virat Kohli is in a chase. He has everything mapped out beautifully like a microprocessor. When you think of Virat Kohli in a run chase, there are ebbs and flows. There is never a constant upward take off or the other way around. He knows when to respect the bowlers and when to take them on in spurts. He understands those ebbs and flows, and that's why he has been the chase master over the years.”