Former Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed serious concerns regarding Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) star Nicholas Pooran ahead of IPL 2026. Ashwin noted that the left-handed batter looked completely drained of energy during recent franchise tournaments, raising concerns for LSG.
The Super Giants will head into the new season desperate to secure their maiden title. While the franchise possesses a powerful squad featuring immense batting talent, Pooran, who retired from international cricket in 2025, must quickly overcome his recent prolonged slump ahead of the upcoming season.
It Seemed Like All His Energy Was Drained – Ravichandran Ashwin on Nicholas Pooran
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that physical exhaustion and mental burnout from relentless global freelancing have severely impacted Nicholas Pooran.
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“First, he was playing a season for LSG, where he took the IPL by storm in the first half. But he was not scoring at all in the second half, and then his fortunes started dipping. He hasn’t been scoring runs in all the leagues he has been playing in, and there is a reason for it. He stopped playing for West Indies and became a freelancer,” Ashwin said.
“I was recently watching how SA20 was going. He was walking back after getting out, and it seemed like all his energy was drained. There was literally nothing left in him. This freelancing circuit is very unforgiving.”
“Players sign contracts and play in every league, but there is no attachment to the team or the results that come out of it. To me, it looks like Nicholas Pooran is a little burnt out,” he added.
The ICC Should Come Out and Say- Ravichandran Ashwin
Nicholas Pooran has constantly traveled the globe, participating in various tournaments. Pooran managed just 152 runs across nine innings during his dismal SA20 campaign. Ravichandran Ashwin urged the ICC to implement strict participation limits for freelance professional cricketers.
“It’s not only about the IPL franchises or any other franchises. The ICC or any other rationing body should come out and say if you want to freelance, that’s absolutely fine, but not more than two or three leagues in a year. Many other players will get a chance, and those players can also upskill or enhance themselves,” he stated.
It Will Make Amazing Sense – Ravichandran Ashwin on Nicholas Pooran’s Batting Position
Ravichandran Ashwin said that the Lucknow Super Giants should demote Nicholas Pooran in their batting order. Ashwin explained that pairing the West Indian with young domestic talents would create a strong finishing combination in the crucial death overs.
“Abdul Samad has a lot of ability. I think it is a great chance this season for him to upscale his game and to show the world what he can do as a top-class finisher. If you want to use Pooran down the order, it will make amazing sense.”
“Ayush Badoni is at No. 5, and you can use Samad at No. 7, and No. 6 can be Nicholas Pooran. A left-hander and two right-handers. The left-hander is coming with the experience of playing cricket all over the world. He can really help Abdul Samad, the finisher, to finish more games for LSG,” Ashwin explained.
LSG will open their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. Rishabh Pant and the franchise management will be hoping to start the tournament on a positive note.
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