The match number 38 of IPL 2026 season saw Lucknow losing in the Super Over. It becomes increasingly difficult for the team to qualify for the playoffs after this loss. In their first innings, the Kolkata Knight Riders scored 155 runs in 20 overs. Lucknow too had managed to score 155 runs in 20 overs, thus making it a tie in the match. Sunil Narine, who was the bowler from KKR in the Super Over, dismissed Lucknow in three deliveries only.

Pooran was dismissed by Narine in his very first delivery while the next delivery accounted for Markram’s wicket. Rinku Singh scored 2 runs with a boundary shot at the start of the Super Over. Following this defeat, questions are being raised about Rishabh Pant's captaincy. Nicholas Pooran is also facing severe criticism. However, LSG's coach has defended the decision to send Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over.

Former Australian batsman and LSG head coach Justin Langer said, "This decision was made because Pooran was well-versed in Sunil Narine, and the management wanted to capitalize on that. We knew Sunil Narine would be bowling, and if you look at Pooran's record, he has faced Sunil Narine more than any other player in the world. So we felt he was the best choice. I know he hasn't regained his form yet, but we felt if anyone could handle a Super Over, it would be Pooran. And you trust your best players, don't you?"

The head coach further added, "He's had a bit of a tough time, but if you look at all the statistics, no one can face Sunil Narine, the best off-spinner in the world, better than Nicholas Pooran. Unfortunately, he wasn't successful this time."

Before Sunday's KKR vs. LSG match, Pooran was scoring at a strike rate of 131.08 against Sunil Narine in T20 matches and averaging 49. However, he had been dismissed by the spinner four times in 148 balls. Pooran's bat has remained silent so far this season. He has scored 82 runs in eight matches at an average of around 10.

Langer said, "He's working on improving his form. Pooran, who has been one of the best T20 players in the world for the past few years, is going through a difficult time. This just proves that he's human. We're working with him every day, and he's working very hard to regain his confidence. Sometimes this game of cricket is very difficult."