4 Losses In Last 5 Matches! What Has Really Gone Wrong With LSG In IPL 2025?

Jatin

LSG have lost four of their last five matches [Source: @iplt20.com]LSG have lost four of their last five matches [Source: @iplt20.com]

Just a couple of weeks ago, Lucknow Super Giants were cruising along. Four wins from six matches, big names stepping up and playoff hopes alive and kicking.

But in true IPL fashion, things went downhill faster than a top edge flying over third man. With four losses in their last five games, LSG have hit a rough patch and it’s not just a case of bad luck

Let’s break it down. What has led to this sudden slump? What has triggered LSG's four losses in the last five games?

1. Nicholas Pooran’s Disappearing Act

When Nicholas Pooran gets going, there is carnage. And in the first half of IPL 2025, he looked like the guy who could turn any game on its head. Batting at No. 3, he was LSG’s X-factor, stepping in early, attacking from ball one and dismantling bowling attacks.

But something's gone off the rails. In the last five matches, Nicholas Pooran has scored just 76 runs. That’s an average of 15.20 which is way below his standard. His recent scores: 8 (9) vs CSK, 11 (8) vs RR, 9 (5) vs DC, 27 (15) vs MI, and 6 (5) vs PBKS. That is not just a lean patch, it is a full-blown drought.

Opponent
Runs
Balls
Strike-Rate
vs CSK8988.89
vs RR118137.50
vs DC95180.00
vs MI2715180.00
Vs PBKS65120.00
Total7642180.95

Table - Nicholas Pooran IPL 2025 Stats (Last 5 Matches)

And because he plays such a crucial role in LSG’s middle order, his failure to convert starts has hit them like a ton of bricks. With Pooran misfiring, their totals have looked below par, and their chases have fallen flat. For a team banking on their big guns, this has been a gut punch.

2. Rishabh Pant’s Poor Form And Captaincy Calls

Rishabh Pant's return to IPL 2025 was supposed to be one of the biggest comeback stories. Bought by LSG for a sensational INR 27 crore, the focus was on him. The hype was real. But the numbers? Not so much.

Just 128 runs in 10 innings. An average of 12.80. A strike rate below 100. His only decent knock came against CSK, 63 off 49, but since then, it’s been a string of low scores. 3 vs RR, a duck vs DC, 4 vs MI, and 18 vs PBKS.

Opponent
Runs
Balls
Strike-Rate
vs CSK6349128.57
vs RR3933.33
vs DC020
vs MI42200
Vs PBKS1817105.88
Total88
79111.4

Table - Rishabh Pant IPL 2025 Stats (Last 5 Matches)

But it’s not just the runs, it’s the body language. He looks tense. Edgy. Every misfield or bad ball gets a reaction. His on-field frustration has been visible and his decision-making has looked clouded. 

Bowlers have struggled to execute plans and Pant hasn’t always been quick to adapt. When your skipper is in poor form and his captaincy is under the scanner, it’s always going to be a tough task.

3. Lack Of Fire With The New Ball

In their earlier wins, LSG had something going with the new ball. Shardul Thakur was picking wickets early and the opposition was playing catch-up. That rhythm is gone now.

Shardul’s form dipped badly and with him misfiring and being dropped, LSG have lacked bite in the powerplay. Mayank Yadav, who return came with a lot of anticipation, has been carted around. Bowlers are missing their lengths and batters are cashing in.

Result? Opponents are scoring freely in the first six overs, setting a strong base and killing the game before it even reaches the death overs. Without pressure up top, even the spinners and death bowlers are ineffective. It’s been a snowball effect and it is hurting big time.

Conclusion

One win in five won’t take you to playoffs

LSG’s recent results paint a grim picture:

  • Lost to CSK by 5 wickets after failing to defend 166.
  • Barely beat RR by 2 runs: a win, yes, but hardly convincing.
  • Lost to DC by 8 wickets: outplayed in all departments.
  • Hammered by MI by 54 runs.
  • Crushed by PBKS by 37 runs.

From being 4–2 to now 5–6 after 11 matches, this is more than a dip, it is a spiral.

LSG have the talent. That has never been in doubt. But form, confidence and decision-making are three things they have run short of. 

Pooran isn’t firing, Pant looks lost and the bowlers aren’t making early dents. The dressing room vibe feels off. And in a cutthroat league like the IPL, you can’t afford even a few missteps.

With just three league matches left, LSG need a miracle. Or at the very least, a complete mindset reset. Because as it stands, their season is on the brink and the freefall shows no signs of stopping.