Nicholas Pooran under fire! India great questions his commitment to LSG and Sanjiv Goenka

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Nicholas Pooran has been facing massive criticism for his form and body language on the field following another flop show during his team’s crushing seven-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Sunday, April 12.

Nicholas Pooran’s underwhelming run continued in the ongoing season as the West Indies star managed only 19 runs off 21 balls as the Lucknow Super Giants could muster only 164/8 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans at Ekana Stadium.

Nicholas Pooran under fire after another flop show for Lucknow Super Giants

Later, GT chased down the target inside 19 overs. So far in the season, Pooran has scored only 41 runs in four matches, as he has been struggling badly in his new middle-order role at the LSG side. There were massive expectations after a big retention, but the West Indies batter’s performances have raised big questions about his place in the team.

Read Also: Yuzvendra Chahal exposed by actress Taniya Chatterjee, private messages leaked

After the match in Lucknow, the former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin openly questioned Pooran’s impact in the side. He pointed out that he is not showing enough intent, energy, or consistency expected from a senior player in such a big role.

Please give Nicholas Pooran a break: Ravichandran Ashwin to LSG

Ashwin also pointed out that LSG invested INR 21 crore in Pooran, so the returns should match that trust. The commentator has also suggested the Lucknow Super Giants must give a break to Pooran and consider other batting options to make a stronger comeback.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “Nicholas Pooran is a huge cause of concern, a massive cause of concern. The way he stands in the field, I don't know. What has he not been given? LSG retained him as the first player; he has to return the dividends.

You have to bring Josh Inglis somehow into this team; even Matthew Breetzke will do. Please give Nicholas Pooran a break.”

Ashwin calls for Rishabh Pant to open for LSG amid the struggles in IPL 2026

He also explained that LSG’s top order changes have pushed Pooran into the middle order, which has affected his natural game. Yet, Ashwin feels the LSG team needs better use of powerplay overs and smarter batting roles to improve overall scoring in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Ashwin further added, “People were telling me why I was advocating for Rishabh Pant to open the innings. Rishabh Pant does not hit sixes anymore in T20 cricket. This season, before the match against GT, he had not hit a single six. I had said that Pant should open because he will be able to use the fielding limitations. If he plays the first six overs and scores 35-40 runs, then there will be a tempo.”

Big boost for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 as Jos Buttler back in form

Speaking about the Gujarat Titans, Ashwin said that it is great news for the franchise that Jos Buttler has now found his rhythm again after his stunning knock of 60 runs off 37 balls against LSG. Earlier, Buttler had also smashed a fifty against the Delhi Capitals.

He also added that earlier, there were concerns about Buttler’s form during the T20 World Cup 2026, as he was not looking at his best. But now, he believes Buttler is back in form, and that could make GT much stronger going forward in the tournament.

Read Also: Rift between Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant? GT captain likes ‘Chapri Pant’ reel on Instagram