Forward of the IPL 2026 season, Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) have roped in New Zealand batting star Kane Williamson as a strategic advisor. Whereas confirming Williamson’s appointment, LSG proprietor Sanjiv Goenka mentioned that the previous New Zealand captain will likely be a useful addition to the crew.
“Kane has been part of the Tremendous Giants household and it is an absolute delight to welcome him in his new function as Strategic Advisor for @LucknowIPL. His management, strategic perception, deep understanding of the sport, and talent to encourage gamers make him a useful addition to the crew,” wrote Goenka on X.
Notably, Williamson performed for Durban Tremendous Giants, the Sanjeev Goenka-owned crew within the SA20 league, earlier this yr.
“I am actually excited to be becoming a member of LSG. They’ve a massively proficient squad and an excellent group of coaches which I am trying ahead to working alongside. It is at all times particular being concerned within the IPL, the perfect franchise competitors within the sport,” mentioned Williamson.
The 35-year-old final performed for New Zealand within the Champions Trophy last towards India in March this yr. He hasn’t retired from worldwide cricket but, however after selecting an off-the-cuff contract with New Zealand Cricket, his appearances are anticipated to be sporadic.
He’ll miss the upcoming T20I collection at dwelling towards England, however is concentrating on a comeback within the ODIs that observe. The primary of these 50-over matches takes place at his dwelling city in Tauranga on October 26.
Regardless of being an IPL veteran, Williamson has had restricted involvement over the previous two seasons. In IPL 2023, whereas enjoying for Gujarat Titans (GT), he suffered a knee damage within the opening match and missed the remainder of the event. The next yr, nonetheless with GT, he featured in solely two video games, managing 27 runs off 27 balls. He went unsold on the mega public sale forward of IPL 2025.
Justin Langer, Bharat Arun To Proceed As LSG
Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) additionally confirmed that Justin Langer and Bharat Arun would proceed as the pinnacle coach and the fast-bowling coach, respectively.
“We enter each IPL season stuffed with hope and expectation – 2026 isn’t any exception and we’re excited concerning the work now we have forward of us as we proceed constructing a franchise into one the Goenka household, our gamers, sponsors, supporters and followers are all immensely happy with,” mentioned Langer.
“The work hasn’t stopped because the finish of final season as we put together to make our mark on this season’s IPL. The hope, expectation and keenness for LSG is rising strongly. We’re trying ahead to strengthening our squad within the coming months. And, we look ahead to seeing Ekana bathed in blue when the season kicks off,” he added.
In the meantime, Carl Crowe has joined LSG as spin-bowling coach. Notably, Crowe is the second coach from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise to maneuver to LSG after former India bowling coach Arun in July this yr.
Arun, who has additionally labored with the Indian cricket crew, was with KKR for 3 seasons as bowling coach.