new delhi, May 5
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has highlighted inconsistency between the batting and bowling units of Lucknow Super Giants as the key reason behind their poor run in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. His comments came after the team suffered their sixth consecutive defeat, further denting their chances of making it to the playoffs.
LSG’s latest loss came against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Despite posting a formidable total of 228 for five, they were unable to defend it as Mumbai chased down the target comfortably in 18.4 overs. The chase was powered by a dominant 143-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma, who scored 84, and Ryan Rickelton, who made 83, setting the tone for a convincing victory.
Analysing LSG’s ongoing struggles, Shastri pointed out that the team has failed to deliver complete performances. He noted that when the bowling unit performs well, the batters often fail to provide adequate support, and when the batters put up strong totals, the bowlers concede too many runs. This lack of balance, he said, has been a recurring issue and a major factor behind their losing streak. He also observed that a series of defeats can significantly impact a team’s confidence, leading to uncertainty even in situations where they appear to be in control.
Shastri further emphasised LSG’s inability to capitalise on strong starts, particularly while batting on favourable pitches. He referred to scenarios where the team reached 100 for one within the first seven overs but failed to maintain momentum during the remaining overs. According to him, such slowdowns in the middle and death overs indicate missed opportunities, especially when conditions are ideal for scoring heavily.
He stressed that the team must urgently reassess its approach, particularly in the final overs of an innings, both with the bat and the ball. Shastri suggested that better planning and execution in these crucial phases could make a significant difference in close contests. Without addressing these issues, he warned, LSG’s playoff hopes could quickly slip away.
Additionally, Shastri called on the bowling unit to adapt better to varying pitch conditions across venues. While pitches like those in Lucknow may assist fast bowlers, grounds in cities such as Mumbai or Bengaluru tend to favour batters. He concluded that the ability to adjust lines and lengths according to conditions is essential for success in a competitive tournament like the IPL.
