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LSG's Biggest Concern Revealed; Ex-India Batter Questions Key Player Before IPL Resumption

Aakash Saini

LSG players [Source: @LucknowIPL/x]LSG players [Source: @LucknowIPL/x]

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has picked Nicholas Pooran as LSG’s biggest area of concern before heading into the decisive stages of the IPL 2025 season. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that opposition bowlers have found a way to keep Pooran silent in the second half of this tournament.

It is worth noting that the hard-hitting West Indies batter started off IPL 2025 season by scoring 349 runs in the first six innings. However, in the past five innings, the blistering LSG stumper has minted just 61 runs at a dismal average of 12.20.

Kaif pinpoints Nicholas Pooran’s struggles

While speaking on the Star Sports network, Mohammad Kaif stated that Nicholas Pooran suddenly going out of form has struck the biggest blow to LSG’s prospects. He added that bowlers have found a way to keep Pooran silent by bowling full. He said:

“The biggest blow has been Pooran going out of form. Lucknow was continuously winning matches when Pooran was playing. Their problems have increased after Pooran's bat went silent. Since the time the bowlers have come up with the tactic to bowl full and get him out lbw or bowled, it has become a huge cause for concern.”

Mohammad Kaif also brought up Nicholas Pooran’s concerning stats from the second half of IPL 2025 after acknowledging his match-winning efforts at the start of the season. He added:

“Pooran was winning matches single-handedly at the start, although Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh also played well. In the first half, Nicholas Pooran was hitting sixes no matter where you bowled the ball, and he has an average of 12 in the second half. He has been able to score only 61 runs in his last five innings.”

Compatible to Mohammad Kaif’s claims, LSG won four out of its first six games when Nicholas Pooran was in blistering touch with the bat. 

However, they have managed to secure just one win out of their next five matches, prompting Rishabh Pant and co. to be ranked seventh on the IPL 2025 points table. With IPL resumption nearing by, LSG will next face SRH on Monday, May 19 in Lucknow.