Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have found themselves in serious trouble in the ongoing IPL 2026 after a crushing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 15. This defeat has made the situation even worse for LSG.
After being asked to bat first by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, LSG’s star-studded batting lineup failed miserably, leaving everyone shocked and disappointed. Lucknow had a completely bad start and could only score 146 runs in 20 overs against the defending champions.
This score was never going to be enough at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and RCB eventually achieved the target in 15.1 overs with five wickets to spare and went on top of the points table.
Murali Karthik gives stern warning to LSG after heavy defeat to RCB
After the match, former India spinner Murali Karthik questioned the batting strength of Lucknow Super Giants. He said that they are not only struggling with form but also lack strong backup options on the bench, making things difficult for them in the tournament.
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The biggest concern for LSG at the moment is their main batsmen not performing well. Captain Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh are struggling badly with the bat.
None of these key players have even crossed the 125-run mark this season, which clearly shows how badly the batting unit is struggling. Mainly, the form of LSG’s big signing Pooran is hurting them badly. Interestingly, lower middle-order batsman Mukul Chaudhary is currently the team’s top scorer with 127 runs.
They can make Justin Langer come out and bat: Murali Karthik
Given the situation, Karthik pointed out that LSG needs to change something quickly; Otherwise, their campaign this season will end after a few games.
Murali Karthik on Cricbuzz said: “They don’t have much in the reserves either. They have Himmat Singh, who is more of a hitter, and Akshat Raghuvanshi, who has some pedigree. But after that, they can get Justin Langer (head coach) to come out and bat. However, it is going to be difficult for them.”
The broadcaster further added, “Some switches need to be flicked where these batsmen, who were your lynchpins last year, click. How can Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran find a glimpse of form? Especially Pooran, who looks woefully out of touch.”
Also read: Rishabh Pant out of IPL 2026! Shocking decision given by former BCCI selector
Murali Karthik is in awe of chase master Virat Kohli
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore made it look so easy to chase the target. Virat Kohli led the way with a smart and controlled innings of 49 runs off just 34 balls and proved why he remains the best chaser in the IPL. Karthik praised Kohli’s special ability in run chase.
The former Indian spinner has pointed out that the RCB icon understands the game situation perfectly and knows when to speed up and when to slow down, which is what makes him so dangerous, especially while chasing the target.
Karthik said, “Nobody needs to be told how good Virat Kohli is at chasing. He has executed everything beautifully, like a microprocessor. When you think about Virat Kohli in run chases, there are ups and downs. There is never a consistent upswing or vice versa. He knows when to respect the bowlers and when to take them fast. He understands those ups and downs, and that’s why.” That he has been a master of goal pursuit over the years.”
