Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn strongly criticised the decision-making of Lucknow Super Giants after their Super Over defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2026 clash.
The controversy erupted when LSG opted to send Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over despite his ongoing struggles with form. The decision quickly backfired as Pooran was dismissed on the very first delivery by Sunil Narine, leaving LSG with just a single run to defend — a target that KKR chased comfortably.
Pooran’s disappointing run in the tournament has been evident, with the left-hander managing only modest contributions throughout the season. In the main match, he scored just nine runs before being dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy, further highlighting his lack of rhythm at the crease.
The decision to send him ahead of other in-form players such as Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, and Aiden Markram raised eyebrows. Skipper Rishabh Pant and head coach Justin Langer backed Pooran, but the move did not pay off.
Reacting to the moment, Dale Steyn took to social media with a sharp remark about Pooran’s form, suggesting he was struggling to make any meaningful impact. He went further during a broadcast, labelling the decision to send Pooran into the Super Over as highly questionable given his recent performances and past struggles against Sunil Narine.
Steyn pointed out that Pooran had a history of difficulties facing Narine, including previous encounters where he failed to score effectively. He emphasized that in high-pressure situations like a Super Over, teams should rely on players who are in good form and capable of delivering under pressure.
The loss proved costly for Lucknow Super Giants, as they slipped to the bottom of the standings with only four points from eight matches. With the tournament progressing, the team now faces increasing pressure to reassess its strategy and revive its campaign.
Despite the criticism, Steyn acknowledged Pooran’s talent, noting that the batter remains a high-quality player but is currently going through a difficult phase. The incident has sparked wider discussions around team selection and decision-making in crucial match moments.
