'There is some health issue': Irfan Pathan lambasts Nicholas Pooran after flop show during RCB vs LSG IPL 2026 clash

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Nicholas Pooran could be at risk of losing his spot in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lineup. According to Pathan, the West Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s continued struggle for form in the ongoing IPL 2026 has placed his position under significant scrutiny as the tournament progresses.

Irfan Pathan's scathing attack on Nicholas Pooran's flop show

LSG’s campaign in this edition has been hampered by a collective failure in their batting department. Despite boasting high-profile names like Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Rishabh Pant, the team has struggled to find consistency, with none of these key players performing at their expected levels.

'More than technique, I feel the issue is in the head'

Pathan further observed that Pooran’s uncharacteristic lack of impact might be due to underlying health issues or a mental block. He warned that the dynamic left-hander faces an even greater threat with the impending return of Josh Inglis, whose availability could force the management to make a difficult decision regarding Pooran's place in the XI.

"100 ka bhi strike rate nahi hai (His strike rate is not even 100). He hasn't been scoring at all. He batted at No. 3 last year but has now been moved down the order. Another thing, his foot gets planted early. That's why he is not in form. More than technique, I feel the issue is in the head, or there is some health issue. One of these two things are bothering Nicholas Pooran," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"If he doesn't sort it out quickly, he could be in trouble because Josh Inglis is a very good player, and there will be pressure on Nicholas Pooran when he joins the camp," he added.

Pooran's recent performances have been a cause of concern for the LSG, as the powerful left-hander has struggled to find any rhythm. Over his last four innings, he has accumulated a mere 41 runs, but perhaps more alarming is his uncharacteristically low strike rate of 85.41. This lack of scoring and intent has hampered the team's ability to capitalize during the middle and death overs.

Talking about the match, LSG ended up posting a below-par total of 146, thanks to Rasikh Salam's fantastic four-fer.