Lucknow Super Giants: Have They Found Their New Strategic Advisor in Kane Williamson?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Lucknow Super Giants have made a significant move by appointing Kane Williamson as their strategic advisor for IPL 2026. This decision follows the exit of Zaheer Khan and aims to enhance the team's dynamics. Williamson's prior experience with the Super Giants family in SA20 adds an intriguing layer to this appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Kane Williamson joins LSG as strategic advisor.
- Former mentor Zaheer Khan departs.
- Williamson's past with Durban Super Giants enhances his role.
- New coaching staff includes Bharat Arun and Carl Crowe.
- LSG aims to improve from their seventh place finish in IPL 2025.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Veteran New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson has been appointed as the new strategic advisor for the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This appointment comes after the exit of India’s fast bowling icon Zaheer Khan, who served as the team’s mentor during IPL 2025.
Notably, Williamson had previously played for the Durban Super Giants, which is LSG's sister franchise, during this year’s SA20 league. “Kane has been part of the Super Giants family, and we are thrilled to welcome him in his new capacity as Strategic Advisor for @LucknowIPL,”
expressed Goenka, the chairman of RPSG Group, on his ‘X’ account on Thursday. “His leadership, strategic insight, and profound understanding of the game, along with his ability to motivate players, make him a priceless addition to our team.”
Williamson is currently on a temporary contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), having last represented the Blackcaps in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they finished as runners-up to India.
Throughout his IPL career, which spans 79 matches with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, Williamson has amassed 2128 runs at an average of 35.46 and a strike rate of 125.61, notably being the leading run-scorer in the 2018 season.
The franchise had earlier brought on board former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun as their bowling coach. Sources have also revealed to IANS that Carl Crowe has joined LSG’s support team as the spin bowling coach.
Crowe, who previously held the same position with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), played a vital role in transforming Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy into an effective spin duo for the three-time IPL champions.
“It was confirmed earlier that Crowe will join Arun in LSG, and an official announcement will follow soon. With Justin Langer also being retained as head coach after negotiations, the franchise is set to commence its preparations for the IPL 2026 auction shortly,” sources added.
Under the leadership of Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, LSG concluded their IPL 2025 season in seventh place, mirroring their performance from the previous year. These two consecutive mid-table finishes represent a decline from their impressive third-place standings in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively.
Point of View
It's paramount to recognize the strategic vision behind the Lucknow Super Giants' decision to appoint Kane Williamson. This move not only brings in vast experience but also showcases the franchise's commitment to evolving and competing at the highest level. Williamson's understanding of the game could be the catalyst for LSG's resurgence in IPL 2026.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new strategic advisor for Lucknow Super Giants?
Kane Williamson has been appointed as the new strategic advisor for Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026.
What role did Zaheer Khan play in the franchise?
Zaheer Khan served as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 before his departure.
What is Kane Williamson's previous connection to the franchise?
Kane Williamson was part of the Durban Super Giants, the sister franchise of LSG, in the SA20 league.
What is the current coaching staff for LSG?
LSG has appointed Bharat Arun as bowling coach and Carl Crowe as spin bowling coach, with Justin Langer retained as head coach.
How did LSG perform in IPL 2025?
Lucknow Super Giants finished in seventh place during IPL 2025, matching their position from the previous season.
