IPL 2026: Manoj Tiwary blames Nicholas Pooran's dip in form behind LSG's struggle, says 'you will see such performances from retired players'

The Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants have endured a hattrick of defeats in the ongoing IPL 2026, after failing to chase 255 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, April 19. The game took place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Manoj Tiwary blames Nicholas Pooran for LSG's struggle

LSG with a different opening pair of Ayush Badoni and Mitchell Marsh in a massive run-chase of 255.
However, the duo managed to post 61 runs in the first six overs. Though Nicholas Pooran's form still remains a big concern for the Lucknow-based franchise.

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After retiring from international cricket, the Caribbean player has struggled a lot for runs in the ongoing season of IPL. The star left-handed batter has managed to score only 51 runs in six matches at an average of 8.50 and strike rate of 79.68. In the loss against PBKS, scored only nine runs off nine deliveries with the help of one boundary.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has slammed Nicholas Pooran for his disappointing form in the league, saying his form raises serious concern for the franchise.

In an interaction with Cricbuzz, the former India cricketer wondered how a quality player like Pooran can struggle for runs despite his remarkable form in the previous editions of the tournament.

"I don't know what has happened to Nicholas Pooran. His poor form raises some serious questions as to how such a quality player has dipped," said Manoj Tiwary.

Adding further, Tiwary said that this kind of performance would come if someone does not play international cricket and the franchise should think twice before picking retired players.

If you don't play around the year, you will see such performances and poor form from players. In the time to come, the owners and the decision makers will have to think twice before going for players who have retired from international cricket."

Next challenge for LSG

LSG would look to make a roaring comeback when they lock horns against Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming IPL 2026 clash on Wednesday, April 22 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.