Tom Moody, Lucknow Super Giants’ global director of cricket, expressed hope that star batter Nicholas Pooran will soon return to form. The West Indian has a highest score of 19 this IPL season.
“Nicky is fully aware of the slow start he’s had,” Moody said on Tuesday. “But we’ve got 100% confidence in what he brings to the table. Class is permanent and I’m sure that the opportunity tomorrow night (Wednesday), at a venue where top-order players can enjoy, could well be the tonic that he needs.”
There is also an expectation that 23-year-old pace sensation Mayank Yadav will play his first game this IPL.
The youngster, whose workload is being carefully managed because of his injury history, breathed fire the last time he was in Bengaluru (April 2024), topping speeds of 150 kmph and taking three for 14 in LSG’s 28-run victory.
The three batters he dismissed in a Player-of-the-Match performance were Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green.
“He’s ready to go,” Moody stated. “He didn’t jump into our thought processes early in the tournament purely because he was still a little bit underdone. His fitness was good, but just in terms of bowling and the loads that any bowler needs to feel comfortable at the crease.
“But we feel it has come to a point where he’s ready to go. He’s worked exceptionally hard, and he presents a headache for us with regards to selection,” the Aussie added.
Published on Apr 14, 2026