Lucknow: Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has launched a scathing attack on Lucknow Super Giants for their Super Over strategy against Kolkata Knight Riders, calling the decision to send Nicholas Pooran out to bat a “criminal decision”.

The remark came after LSG’s dramatic defeat in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash, where a tense contest was decided in a one-sided Super Over.

Super Over gamble backfires

After both teams finished on 155, the match headed into the season’s first Super Over. LSG surprised many by sending Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to face veteran spinner Sunil Narine.

The move raised eyebrows, particularly because Pooran had been struggling for form throughout the season. His scores prior to the match reflected inconsistency, and he had managed just 9 runs in the main innings.

The decision proved costly almost instantly, as Pooran was bowled off the very first delivery of the Super Over by Narine.

Collapse in three balls

LSG’s situation worsened when Markram was dismissed on the third ball, leaving the team with just one run on the board. The dramatic collapse handed complete control to KKR.

Chasing a mere two runs, Rinku Singh finished the game in style, hitting a boundary off the first ball to seal a comprehensive win.

Steyn’s strong reaction

Dale Steyn did not hold back in his criticism of LSG’s tactical call, questioning the logic behind sending an out-of-form batter in such a crucial moment.

“It was a criminal decision to send Nicholas Pooran in the Super Over,” Steyn said during his analysis. He emphasised that teams should rely on in-form players, especially when trying to revive their campaign.

Steyn added that confidence plays a vital role in high-pressure situations and suggested that Pooran himself may not have been at his most confident given his recent performances.

Missed opportunity for LSG

Earlier in the match, LSG had done well to restrict KKR to 155/7, thanks largely to a brilliant five-wicket haul by Mohsin Khan.

In response, LSG’s chase showed promise, with captain Rishabh Pant scoring 42 and Markram contributing 31. However, both fell at crucial junctures, derailing the innings.

The responsibility then shifted to the lower order, including players like Ayush Badoni and Himmat Singh, who managed to keep the chase alive.

A dramatic final over, including a last-ball six from Mohammed Shami, pushed the match into a Super Over.

KKR hold nerve under pressure

While LSG faltered in the Super Over, KKR executed their plans to perfection. Narine’s exceptional bowling restricted LSG to the lowest possible total, setting up an easy chase.

Rinku Singh’s composed finish capped off a memorable performance, as he also starred earlier with an unbeaten 83 that helped KKR recover from a precarious position.

Points table impact

The defeat dealt a significant blow to LSG’s campaign, pushing them to the bottom of the standings with just 4 points. In contrast, KKR moved up to eighth place, keeping their hopes alive in a tightly contested season.

Conclusion

Dale Steyn’s harsh words underline the fine margins and intense scrutiny in T20 cricket. LSG’s Super Over decision will likely be analysed as a key turning point—not just in the match, but potentially in their season.

As the IPL 2026 progresses, teams will need to balance data, form, and instinct more carefully, especially in high-pressure situations where a single decision can determine the outcome.