Bengaluru: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Nicholas Pooran is facing intense scrutiny and online trolling after a string of poor performances in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, despite being one of the franchise’s highest-paid players.
The West Indies star, who earns ₹21 crore, has managed just 42 runs in five matches at an average of 8.40 and a strike rate of 76.36. His highest score in the tournament so far is 19, raising concerns over his form and impact in the LSG batting line-up.
Net session video sparks fan backlash
The criticism intensified after LSG shared a video on social media showing Pooran smashing sixes during a net practice session. While the clip was intended to showcase his preparation, it triggered a wave of negative reactions from fans.
Supporters questioned the contrast between his practice form and match performances, with many expressing frustration over his inability to deliver when it matters most. Social media platforms were flooded with sarcastic remarks, highlighting the growing impatience among fans.
The trolling reflects the heightened expectations placed on marquee players, especially those commanding hefty price tags in the IPL.
Pooran’s form a concern for LSG
Nicholas Pooran has been a key figure in LSG’s batting unit in previous seasons, known for his explosive hitting and ability to change the course of a game. However, his current slump has left a significant gap in the middle order.
With LSG already struggling for consistency this season, Pooran’s lack of runs has compounded the team’s problems. The franchise, currently placed in the lower half of the points table, has managed only two wins in five matches.
The inability of senior batters to anchor innings or accelerate when needed has been a recurring issue for the side.
RCB outclass LSG in Bengaluru clash
LSG’s struggles were further exposed in their recent match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where they suffered a five-wicket defeat.
Batting first, LSG posted a modest total of 146, which proved insufficient on a slightly slow Chinnaswamy pitch. The innings lacked momentum, with no batter managing to play a defining knock.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target comfortably in 15.1 overs. Virat Kohli led the charge with a brisk 49, setting the tone early despite the quick dismissal of Phil Salt.
Kohli’s aggressive approach, including a flurry of boundaries in a single over, helped RCB gain control of the chase. He was well-supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed a quick 10 in a 57-run partnership for the second wicket.
Patidar’s fireworks seal the game
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar played a crucial role in finishing the chase, striking multiple sixes to keep the required run rate in check. His aggressive batting ensured that the hosts remained ahead throughout the innings.
Although Patidar and Jitesh Sharma fell while attempting to close the game quickly, the damage had already been done. RCB secured the win with ease, underlining the gap between the two sides on the day.
Bowlers set up RCB’s dominance
Before the batters took over, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory with disciplined performances. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout performer with figures of 4/24, dismantling LSG’s batting line-up.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided excellent support with 3/27, while Josh Hazlewood’s economical spell of 1/20 in the Powerplay played a key role in restricting LSG to a below-par total.
The combined effort of RCB’s bowling unit ensured that LSG never gained momentum during their innings.
Pressure mounts on LSG’s key players
As IPL 2026 progresses, pressure is mounting on LSG’s senior players, particularly Nicholas Pooran, to step up and deliver. The team’s chances of making a comeback in the tournament largely depend on its batting unit finding form quickly.
While net sessions may offer glimpses of confidence, translating that into match-winning performances remains the real challenge.
Conclusion
Nicholas Pooran’s lean patch has become a focal point of LSG’s struggles in IPL 2026. The backlash over his net practice video highlights the high expectations placed on top-tier players in the league.
For LSG to turn their season around, Pooran and the rest of the batting unit must rediscover their rhythm. Without a significant improvement, the franchise risks falling further behind in the competition.