‘We backed Pooran believing experience outweighed form in Super Over call decision’
Lucknow
Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer defended the decision to send out-of-form Nicholas Pooran to face Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Sunil Narine in the Super Over of their IPL 2026 clash, saying the management believed he remained the best option despite recent struggles.
Pooran, who has struggled for runs throughout the season with a highest score of just 22, was dismissed off the very first delivery of the Super Over, bowled by Narine. LSG collapsed to 1 for 2, leaving KKR needing just one ball to complete a dramatic victory.
Langer explained the call, noting that Pooran had faced Narine more than most batters in world cricket and the team felt his experience gave him the best chance in a high-pressure moment. He said numbers supported the belief that Pooran traditionally plays spin well, even if form was lacking.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant also supported the decision, saying the team had collectively agreed to back their senior batter in the Super Over, trusting his ability to handle pressure despite a lean run of form.
Langer, however, admitted that the plan failed as Narine struck immediately, repeating a rare historical twist as he had also dismissed Pooran in a Super Over during the 2014 Caribbean Premier League. He praised Narine’s execution and the conditions that favoured spin on a slow black-soil wicket.
Mohsin Khan’s standout spell of 5 for 23 was highlighted by Langer as a positive, with the coach suggesting the pacer could soon be in contention for higher honours if he maintains fitness. Rinku Singh’s late blitz for KKR, including four consecutive sixes, ultimately proved decisive in posting 155.
KKR players, including Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell, celebrated the narrow win as the team climbed the points table, while LSG slipped further after another close finish went against them. The result added pressure on the Lucknow franchise, which has struggled to convert tight games into wins this season, prompting renewed focus on execution, temperament, and adaptability ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Langer reiterated that the team would take lessons from the defeat and return stronger after the scheduled break.
