Lucknow Super Giants decision to send out-of-form Nicholas Pooran to face Sunil Narine in Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders came under scrutiny it turned into a collapse after the dramatic conclusion. In the IPL, tactical challenges often define matches and this one ended with LSG scoring just one run in a Super Over, the lowest total in the history of the tournament.
The regular match ended in a draw of 155 after Mohammed Shami hit a six off the last ball and seemed to be swinging towards the hosts. But LSG’s Super Over unraveled immediately. Pooran was dropped off the first ball of Narine attempting a sweep against the off-spinner’s quick delivery and Aiden Markram also fell in a three-ball failure. KKR then chased down the required two runs with ease, handing LSG their fourth consecutive home defeat.
The decision to send Pooran first stood out given the other options available in the dugout, including Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh and Mukul Chaudhary. Pooran made 9 off 12 balls earlier in the evening and his returns in IPL 2026 have been poor, with 82 runs in eight matches. LSG vs KKR: MAIN | SCORECARD
In the post-match discussion, LSG head coach Justin Langer defended the call and supported the left-hander’s record against Narine.
“We knew Sunil Narine had to bowl,” Langer said.
“And if you look at Nicky’s record, he’s seen Sunil Narine more than anyone else in world cricket. So we felt he was the best bet. I know he hasn’t hit his form yet and Nicky will be the first to admit it, but we thought if anyone could have a super over it was Nicky Pooran. You back your best players Narine, don’t you? Nicky is playing everybody today, isn’t he? When you look at it nobody better than the numbers.” unfortunately he didn’t drop out.”
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE
However, the numbers put up by Langer sit uncomfortably with Pooran’s record in this format and in this match.
Pooran vs Narine in T20 Super Overs
- 2014 CPL: 0 runs (5 balls)
- 2021 CPL: 1 run (2 balls)
- IPL 2026: 0 (1 ball)
Total: 1 run off 8 balls, 2 dismissals
Pooran – Total Super Record (T20s)
- Running: 1
- Balls: 10
- Release: 5
Pooran vs Narine in T20s (Total)
- Number of runs: 207
- Balls: 168
- Strike Rate: 123.2
Across formats and situations, Pooran’s numbers against Sunil Narine – especially in Super Overs – fall well below the explosiveness usually required in
In contrast, Narine has gone into the Super Over in strong form, having recently crossed 200 T20 wickets while maintaining an economy rate that is among the best in the league. On the night, that advantage quickly showed as he removed Pooran to set up a straight finish for KKR.
For Langer and LSG, the call for Pooran ended up being a tactical failure. After Shami’s six dragged the match into a Super Over, LSG dropped for one, KKR knocked down the target and the batting order debate became the defining thread of yet another home defeat.
LSG are now rooted to the bottom of the points table with just two wins from eight matches. Fortunately, Rishabh Pant and his men have a seven-day break before the next game against Mumbai Indians to rethink their approach.
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– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
27 Apr 2026 08:39 IST
