Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that if Lucknow Super Giants’ Nicholas Pooran does not turn things around with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League, he is likely to be replaced by Josh Inglis upon the Australian’s return, ahead of their clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswammy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The former West Indian batsman has had a very sub-par IPL season so far by his own standards. Pooran has been one of the wildest batsmen in the league for some time now, with the southpaw scoring 500 runs each in the last two seasons.
“His strike tally is not even 100. He hasn’t scored at all,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel. “If he doesn’t sort it out quickly he could be in trouble because Josh Inglis is a very good player and there will be pressure on Nicholas Pooran when he joins the camp.
Australian goal keeper, Inglis still hasn’t joined the LSG camp. He initially reported his limited participation in IPL 2026 due to his wedding, but the final date of his joining is yet to be confirmed.
Pooran, on the other hand, has managed just 41 runs in four innings this season at a strike rate of 85.41. This in turn put some burden on the Indian contingent in the franchise, esp Captain Rishabh Pantwho is currently one of the best participants in the franchise.
“He was batting at No. 3 last year but now he has moved down the order. Another thing, his leg set early. That is why he is not in form. More than technique, I feel the problem is in the head or there is some health problem. One of these two things is bothering Nicholas Pooran,” Pathan added.
The management understands the problem with their overseas batsmen and went on to call them “sleeping giants” that they believe will fire at the right moment. LSG will be hoping that these giants wake up in time when they take on the Punjab Kings in Mullapur on April 19 after today’s encounter with RCB.
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Published on:
15 Apr 2026 18:22 IST
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