IPL 2026: ‘Is it time to turn away from Pooran?’

Aakash Chopra suggested that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) could make three changes to their side when they face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, April 19, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Firstly, Chopra reckoned that tearaway speedster Mayank Yadav could replace Avesh Khan and form a seam-bowling troika with Mohammed Shami and Prince Yadav. Avesh has picked up five wickets in four games at an economy rate of 9.07.

“Mayank Yadav is fit and available. You will think about him at some stage at least. Maybe this is the time you want to think about him, that you could play him in place of Avesh. Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav are doing well, but maybe Mayank Yadav with them. Start with pace, and see what happens,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

The former India opener wondered whether the Lucknow team management would leave Nicholas Pooran out of the side, as the wicketkeeper-batter has scored just 42 runs in five innings in IPL 2026.

“Is it time to turn away from Pooran? That’s a big question. I am asking this question because he hasn’t scored runs, and it doesn’t look like he will score runs. So doesn’t give you a lot of confidence,” he observed.

Chopra opined that South African batter Matthew Breetzke could be given a go in place of Pooran. The cricketer-turned-expert also mentioned that Himmat Singh could replace Abdul Samad, who has only aggregated 72 runs in five innings.

“Josh Inglis is not there? Can you think about Breetzke? I know he is a top-order batter, but it’s better than what you have. Can you think about Himmat Singh in place of Abdul Samad? That’s another thing you should think about,” Chopra noted.

While speaking about the Punjab Kings, Chopra said the undefeated side doesn’t need to make any changes. Shreyas Iyer and Co. have won four out of the five games they have played, with one getting washed out.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: