Nicholas Pooran’s Cost Per Run For LSG In IPL 2026
Lucknow Super Giants’ campaign in IPL 2026 will be remembered not for its highs, but for its consistent lows. Sitting at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 14 matches, the Rishabh Pant-led side struggled to find rhythm – and nowhere was this more evident than in the batting department.
While Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis offered flashes of brilliance, most of the top order failed to deliver. But none drew as much scrutiny as Nicholas Pooran – the explosive West Indian batter whose price tag and performance in the season created a stark imbalance.
The Price of a Run: Breaking Down the Numbers
Pooran entered IPL 2026 as LSG’s second-highest-paid player, behind only captain Rishabh Pant. His base annual salary stood at INR 21 crores after being retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction – a significant jump from his original INR 16 crore signing in 2023.
In addition to his contract, Pooran earned INR 7.5 lakhs per match. Having played all 14 matches, his match fees alone amounted to INR 1.05 crore. That brings his total compensation for IPL 2026 to INR 22.05 crore.
Now, consider his run tally: 234 runs.
Divide the total payment by total runs scored, and the result is startling: INR 942,308 per run. This figure is more than double what he cost per run in IPL 2025, when he scored 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25 and an average of 43.67.
From Explosive Finisher to Underperformer
In the previous season, Pooran was LSG’s go-to man at No. 3, thriving in a role that allowed him to accelerate from the middle overs. His clean striking and ability to take on spinners made him a feared presence.
But in IPL 2026, everything changed. Rishabh Pant’s return to form saw him reclaim the No. 3 slot, pushing Pooran down to No. 4 and No. 5 – positions where he had less room to breathe and build momentum. Compounding the issue, Pooran battled a wrist injury that visibly affected his timing and power.
His season stats tell the tale: an average of 18 and a strike rate of 127.87 – a massive drop from his previous norms. Outside of a blistering 21-ball 63 against Mumbai Indians, most of his innings were cut short before they could ignite.
Will LSG Retain Pooran for IPL 2027?
Despite the poor returns, LSG’s continued backing of Pooran during the season signals long-term faith in his ability. The franchise management has historically valued explosive talent, and Pooran still possesses the power-hitting credentials that can change games in 10 overs.
Given the investment already made and the lack of equally dynamic alternatives in the market, it’s highly likely that Lucknow Super Giants will retain Nicholas Pooran for IPL 2027 – betting on a bounce-back season rather than cutting ties.
However, the discussion around Nicholas Pooran’s cost per run for LSG in IPL 2026 will undoubtedly influence future retention decisions, not just for LSG but across franchises evaluating high-priced batters with inconsistent outputs.
For now, the numbers remain harsh. In a tournament where every run counts, spending nearly a million rupees per run is a luxury few teams can afford – especially when the playoffs remain out of reach.
