Kane Williamson Joins Lucknow Super Giants as Strategic Advisor for IPL 2026
Former New Zealand all-format captain and star batter Kane Williamson has officially joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a strategic advisor , marking a significant addition to the franchise ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Williamson, who remains active in all three formats of international cricket, is New Zealand’s highest run-getter in international cricket and brings decades of experience to the Lucknow-based side.
This announcement comes as the franchise strengthens its coaching and mentoring structure, aiming to create a robust leadership setup both on and off the field. Williamson’s new role will involve contributing to team strategy, mentoring young players, and assisting the management in tactical decision-making during the IPL season.
Earlier in July 2025, Bharat Arun, former India bowling coach, joined LSG as the new bowling coach. Arun, who had a four-year stint with KKR as a bowling consultant, brings international expertise and has been tasked with overseeing the team’s overall bowling strategy. The combined presence of Williamson, Arun, and Crowe indicates LSG’s intent to create a strong and well-rounded support system for the players.
His leadership credentials are equally impressive. Under his captaincy, SRH finished as runners-up in IPL 2018, and Williamson won the Orange Cap that season for scoring 735 runs in 17 matches. His calm temperament, tactical awareness, and consistent performance have made him one of the most respected figures in T20 cricket .
The franchise’s management believes that the addition of Williamson will not only provide tactical guidance but also serve as a source of inspiration for players, helping the team navigate high-pressure situations in the IPL.
Announcement by LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka confirmed the development on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, October 16. Sharing a photo of Williamson, Goenka wrote, “Kane has been a part of the Super Giants family and it’s an absolute delight to welcome him in his new role as Strategic Advisor for @LucknowIPL. His leadership, strategic insight, deep understanding of the game, and ability to inspire players make him an invaluable addition to the team.”This announcement comes as the franchise strengthens its coaching and mentoring structure, aiming to create a robust leadership setup both on and off the field. Williamson’s new role will involve contributing to team strategy, mentoring young players, and assisting the management in tactical decision-making during the IPL season.
Coaching Changes at LSG
In addition to Williamson’s appointment, the franchise has made further changes to its coaching staff. Carl Crowe, who has previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has been appointed as the spin bowling coach for LSG. Crowe brings significant experience coaching spin bowlers in high-pressure T20 competitions, which is expected to benefit the team’s bowling attack.Earlier in July 2025, Bharat Arun, former India bowling coach, joined LSG as the new bowling coach. Arun, who had a four-year stint with KKR as a bowling consultant, brings international expertise and has been tasked with overseeing the team’s overall bowling strategy. The combined presence of Williamson, Arun, and Crowe indicates LSG’s intent to create a strong and well-rounded support system for the players.
Williamson’s IPL Journey as a Player
Kane Williamson has a distinguished IPL career spanning two franchises: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans. Over a total of 79 IPL matches, he has scored 2,128 runs, including 2,101 runs in 76 matches for SRH between 2015 and 2022. Williamson remains the third-highest run-scorer for SRH.His leadership credentials are equally impressive. Under his captaincy, SRH finished as runners-up in IPL 2018, and Williamson won the Orange Cap that season for scoring 735 runs in 17 matches. His calm temperament, tactical awareness, and consistent performance have made him one of the most respected figures in T20 cricket .
International T20 Career
Beyond the IPL, Williamson has been a vital asset for New Zealand in T20 cricket. He has scored 2,575 runs in 93 T20I matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when required. His last appearance in T20 internationals was during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he represented the Black Caps and played a key role in guiding the team through challenging situations.Strategic Importance for LSG
Williamson’s appointment is a strategic move by LSG as the team looks to build a strong leadership core both on the field and behind the scenes. His experience in captaincy, ability to mentor young talent, and tactical acumen in T20 cricket are expected to significantly enhance the team’s performance. Combined with the expertise of Bharat Arun and Carl Crowe, LSG now has a formidable support structure for the upcoming season.The franchise’s management believes that the addition of Williamson will not only provide tactical guidance but also serve as a source of inspiration for players, helping the team navigate high-pressure situations in the IPL.
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