Nicholas Pooran Acknowledges Batting Issues After LSG's Defeat to RCB

In a recent IPL 2026 match, Nicholas Pooran, the stand-in captain for Lucknow Super Giants, acknowledged the team's batting shortcomings following a five-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Pooran emphasized the need for consistency and expressed confidence in his own form despite the loss. RCB's strong performance, led by Virat Kohli, allowed them to chase down the target comfortably, securing their position at the top of the points table. Meanwhile, LSG's batting collapse raised concerns as they struggled to find momentum in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 00:16 IST

Pooran Reflects on Batting Challenges

In a recent IPL 2026 match, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) interim captain Nicholas Pooran recognized that his team fell short in their batting performance, leading to a five-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Pooran, stepping in for the injured Rishabh Pant, noted the need for greater consistency. He mentioned that a score around 175 runs would have made the contest more competitive against the reigning champions, RCB.

Pooran's Thoughts on Team Performance

"It's been a challenging season for us; we were not at our best. A total of 175 runs would have been competitive. We are struggling with our batting... T20 cricket is tough, and maintaining consistency is difficult. The players are putting in the effort; it’s just a matter of time before we seize our opportunities," Pooran stated during the post-match interview.

Pooran Remains Optimistic About His Form

Despite the defeat, Pooran expressed optimism regarding his personal performance, indicating that he has been hitting the ball well but has struggled to convert good starts into substantial scores. He emphasized the importance of patience and finding rhythm as they continue their IPL 2026 journey.

"I feel great and am striking the ball nicely, but luck hasn’t been on my side. I’ve faced similar situations before, and I believe I can overcome this," he added.

RCB's Commanding Victory

RCB showcased a strong performance, successfully chasing down a target of 147 runs with 29 balls remaining. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring a smooth 49 runs, while Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma contributed quick runs, securing RCB's position at the top of the points table.

LSG's Batting Struggles

Earlier in the match, LSG faced a significant batting collapse after being put to bat first, ultimately getting bowled out for 146 runs. Mitchell Marsh fought valiantly with a score of 40, but consistent wickets and a lack of momentum hindered their innings. Rasikh Salam Dar excelled with a four-wicket haul, supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. LSG also faced challenges, including Rishabh Pant briefly retiring hurt and later getting out cheaply, as RCB's disciplined bowling kept them under constant pressure.

RCB's all-around performance not only secured a convincing victory but also solidified their lead in the tournament standings, now sitting at the top with eight points from five matches. In contrast, LSG finds themselves in seventh place with four points from four matches.