Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn criticized the surface at Ekana and highlighted inconsistent selection decisions and Nicholas Pooran’s poor form as reasons for Lucknow Super Giants’ struggles. The team faced a 40-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals, marking their third consecutive loss at home.
Head coach Justin Langer attributed the recent setback to the team’s inability to adapt to local conditions. He praised the pitch but noted the players’ failure to adjust effectively. The batting order of LSG has witnessed frequent changes this season, with Mitchell Marsh opening alongside Ayush Badoni in the latest match, while Aiden Markram was moved down to No. 4.
The continuous shuffling, especially in the middle order, has disrupted continuity, with players being placed in unfamiliar roles. Steyn believes that the uncertainty mainly arises from the management’s dilemma regarding Pooran’s form and position in the team. According to Steyn, Pooran’s poor form has led to moving good batters around to support him, causing instability in the lineup.
Steyn further explained that this indecisiveness is impacting the overall structure of the batting lineup, leading to established players changing positions to find balance. With three consecutive losses at home, LSG is now under pressure to address both form and strategy, as concerns grow over their team combinations and decision-making in a closely contested season.
