Rs 50 crore wasted? Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran under pressure to justify price-tag
IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants face mounting pressure as their most expensive duo, Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran struggle for form. With a crucial clash against Rajasthan Royals next, the spotlight is firmly on experienced duo to deliver.
Lucknow Super Giants are already under pressure early in IPL 2026, and the focus has quickly shifted to their two biggest signings, Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. With a combined price tag of Rs 28 crore, expectations were always high, but the returns so far have not matched that investment.
LSG have managed just two wins from six matches and are placed near the bottom of the table. Their batting has lacked consistency, and constant changes in the top order have not helped. The bigger concern has been the limited impact from Pant and Pooran in key situations. Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull pointed out the issue, saying LSG’s overseas core has not delivered as expected.
“Their biggest issue is the three overseas players. You have got three overseas batters in your top five. One of them, Markram, has put in a couple of performances. Marsh has not done a lot, and Pooran has done absolutely nothing. That is your biggest issue,” Doull told CricBuzz
“Pant has won them one game with the bat and nothing outside of that. You have spent (almost) 50 crores on two players, Pant and Pooran, who have won you one game. Almost half your purse on two players who have won you one game,” he added.
LSG now face Rajasthan Royals at home on April 22, a game that could define the direction of their season. With expectations mounting, the spotlight will once again be on their biggest names to deliver.
PANT AND POORAN FACE THE PRICETAG PRESSURE
Pant has scored 147 runs in six matches at an average of 29.40 and a strike rate of 136.11. His only major contribution has been an unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which helped LSG secure one of their two wins.
Pooran’s numbers have been more worrying. He has managed just 51 runs in six innings, averaging 8.50 with a strike rate of 79.68.
LSG’s batting instability has added to the issue. The team has tried multiple combinations, moving Pant between opening and No. 3, while also rotating Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh at the top. Pooran has also been shifted in the order, but the changes have not worked.
For a team that invested Rs 27 crore in Pant and Rs 21 crore in Pooran, the returns have been limited so far. With the season entering a crucial phase, LSG need both players to step up and justify their price tags.
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