IPL 2026 | 'Criminal decision': Rishabh Pant faces heat for Nicholas Pooran call in Super Over loss to KKR

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders turned out to be a gripping thriller. Rinku Singh steered Kolkata Knight Riders to a comfortable win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday in the first Super Over of IPL 2026. LSG managed just one run in the Super Over, leaving KKR with a target of two. In response, Singh smashed a four off the very first ball to seal the game for KKR.

LSG, who batted first in the Super Over, faced heavy criticism for sending Nicholas Pooran in to bat against KKR in that crucial moment.

Pooran, already struggling with the bat this season, was dismissed on the very first ball of the Super Over by Sunil Narine.

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn did not hold back and criticised LSG for the decision to send Pooran in, which backfired badly for the Rishabh Pant-led side.

Steyn termed the move ‘criminal’.

“Three Super Overs for Nicholas Pooran in the IPL, three ducks. So, yes, absolutely. Would you send someone else? Of course. You’ve got players like Mitch Marsh, Rishabh Pant, and Mukul Choudhary. Given Pooran’s recent form, there were other options," Steyn told broadcaster JioHotstar.

"He hasn’t scored more than 30 or 40 runs this season, I don’t know the exact numbers, but to send him in first ball in a Super Over to get you runs is almost a criminal decision,” he added.

“It could have gone either way, but at this stage of the season, when you’re desperate to win, you don’t send in a batter who hasn’t delivered all season. You go with players who’ve been striking the ball well, guys you trust to clear the ropes, or at least back to do the job. I don’t even think Nicholas Pooran believes he can do it right now; he’s in such a bad run of form,” Steyn said.

“It’s unfortunate because he’s such a wonderful player. But when you’re trying to revive your season, you can’t afford blunders like that, not at this level,” he added.

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Soon after Pooran’s dismissal, Steyn also took to social media and wrote: “Couldn’t hit water if he fell out a boat. Tough times."

With the defeat against KKR on Sunday, LSG slipped to the bottom of the points table with just four points from eight matches.