Pooran's duck, Langer's delusion: How LSG ignored stats to hand KKR a Super Over gift

Lucknow Super Giants' decision to send an out-of-form Nicholas Pooran to face Sunil Narine in the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders has come under scrutiny after a dramatic finish turned into a collapse. In the IPL, tactical calls often define matches, and this one ended with LSG posting just one run in the Super Over, the lowest total in the tournament's history.

The regular contest had ended with scores tied at 155 after Mohammed Shami hit a six off the final ball, appearing to swing momentum towards the hosts. But LSG's Super Over unravelled immediately. Pooran was bowled off the first ball by Narine while attempting a slog-sweep against the off-spinner's rapid delivery, and Aiden Markram also fell in a three-ball setback. KKR then chased the two runs required with ease, handing LSG their fourth consecutive home defeat.

The decision to send Pooran in first stood out given the other options available in the dugout, including Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh and Mukul Chaudhary. Pooran had made 9 off 12 balls earlier in the evening, and his returns in IPL 2026 have been poor, with 82 runs in eight matches. LSG vs KKR: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

In the post-match discussion, LSG head coach Justin Langer defended the call and backed the left-hander's record against Narine.

"We knew that Sunil Narine had to bowl it," Langer said.

"And if you look at Nicky's record, he's seen Sunil Narine more than anyone in world cricket. So we felt that he was the best bet. I know he hasn't hit his form yet, and Nicky will be the first to admit it, but we thought, if anyone can have a super over, it's Nicky Pooran. You back your best players, right? If you look at all the numbers, no one plays Sunil Narine better than Nicky. Today, it didn't come off, unfortunately."

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

The figures cited by Langer, however, sit awkwardly with Pooran's record in this format and in this match-up.

Pooran vs Narine in T20 Super Overs

• 2014 CPL: 0 runs (5 balls)
• 2021 CPL: 1 run (2 balls)
• IPL 2026: 0 (1 ball)

Total: 1 run off 8 balls, 2 dismissals

Pooran - Overall Super Over Record (T20s)

• Runs: 1
• Balls: 10
• Dismissals: 5

Pooran vs Narine in T20s (overall)

• Runs: 207
• Balls: 168
• Strike rate: 123.2

Across formats and situations, Pooran's numbers against Sunil Narine – especially in Super Overs – fall well below the explosiveness typically required in

By contrast, Narine went into the Super Over in strong form, having recently crossed 200 T20 wickets while maintaining an economy rate that has been among the best in the league. On the night, that advantage showed quickly as he removed Pooran and set up a straightforward finish for KKR.

For Langer and LSG, the call to back Pooran ended in a tactical failure. After Shami's six had dragged the match into a Super Over, LSG folded for one, KKR knocked off the target, and the debate over the batting order became the defining thread of another home defeat.

LSG are now rooted to the bottom of the points table with just two wins from eight matches. Fortunately, Rishabh Pant and his men have a seven-day break before their next game against Mumbai Indians to rethink their approach.

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