Former South African legend Shaun Pollock has come down hard on Avesh Khan following Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) disappointing defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Despite posting a daunting total of 228, LSG failed to defend it as MI chased it down comfortably in just 18.4 overs.
Pollock’s criticism wasn’t limited to execution with the ball, as he also questioned captain Rishabh Pant’s on-field decisions during a crucial phase of the game.
Pollock questions Avesh’s execution & deviation from strengths
Pollock pointed out that Avesh Khan strayed away from his core strength, which has historically been hitting hard lengths consistently, and instead attempted yorkers that lacked precision.
"They also used only five bowlers and didn't go to the extra option of Aiden Markram. Someone like Avesh Khan, his strength has always been pounding the good length. Here, he was running up and trying to bowl yorkers. And they were knee high, getting smacked away. Bowlers have to realise what their strength is and stick to it. By bringing in Inglis, they missed out on an international bowler, which probably would have served the balance better," Pollock said on Cricbuzz.
His remarks underline a larger issue for LSG, where execution under pressure faltered despite having a strong total on the board.
Pant’s captaincy under scanner after lack of clear plans
Pollock also raised concerns over Pant’s leadership, suggesting that LSG lacked a structured approach while trying to break a dominant opening partnership from MI.
"Sometimes in such games, it almost looks like you are aimless as a captain. When two players are flying like they were at the top of the order for MI, you feel like there is nothing you can do. But it looked like there were no clear-cut plans on how they were going to pick up a wicket or restrict scoring. It didn't look like they went to something unique, but more a case of them hoping the MI openers get out," he added.
LSG’s bowling unit, which has shown promise earlier in the season, failed to deliver when it mattered most. With MI’s openers dictating terms early, the lack of variation and tactical clarity proved costly, resulting in one of the most one-sided chases of the season.