Kane Williamson joins Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026

In a recent development, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have reportedly agreed to sign a contract with former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Lucknow-based franchise is set to appoint Williamson as their strategic adviser before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Lucknow Super Giants have experienced mixed results since joining the IPL in 2022. They made a good start by reaching the playoffs in their first two seasons, but failed to maintain that momentum, slipping to seventh place in the following editions. The team has undergone frequent coaching reshuffles.

Kane Williamson Set to Join Lucknow Super Giants Ahead of IPL 2026

Earlier, reports stated that there was friction within the Super Giants camp, with owner Sanjeev Goenka reportedly unhappy with Zaheer Khan’s performance as mentor. It was later revealed that Zaheer stepped down from the role following disagreements with Goenka and head coach Justin Langer.

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Amid the speculations, Times of India (TOI) and RevSportz reported that Goenka has decided to appoint Kane Williamson as LSG’s strategic adviser for the 2026 season.

Williamson, once celebrated as one of the most dependable batters in the IPL, is now set to begin a new chapter in his career by taking on a leadership role off the field with the Lucknow-based franchise.

Kane Williamson Has Had an Impeccable Record - Sanjiv Goenka

Kane Williamson has been personally selected by RPSG Group chairman and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. Goenka emphasized that Williamson can motivate players with his calm demeanor and leadership qualities.

“Kane’s strategic thinking and leadership played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s performances in the World Cup and Champions Trophy. He has had an impeccable record as an individual, as a human being and as a captain,” Goenka told TOI.

"I have always been impressed by his leadership qualities, calm demeanour and his ability to inspire players. After I had a meeting with him in London, Kane and head coach Justin Langer met and then Kane and Rishabh Pant had a long discussion. Then we all came to the conclusion that this is a very good choice,” he added.

Former England cricketer Carl Crowe, who previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders, is set to join as the team’s spin bowling coach. Earlier in July 2025, LSG had appointed former India bowling coach Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach.

Kane Williamson’s Performances as a Player in the IPL

Kane Williamson has played 79 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. He has scored 2,128 runs at an average of 35.47 and a strike rate of 125.62, including 18 half-centuries. He scored most of his runs with SRH, where he accumulated 2,101 runs in 76 games between 2015 and 2022.

The right-handed batter is still the franchise’s third-highest run scorer. Kane led SRH to the final in the 2018 season and also clinched the Orange Cap with 735 runs in 17 matches that year.

Williamson has played just three IPL games since 2023. He has represented New Zealand in 93 T20I matches, with his last appearance coming during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Williamson, known for his tactical brilliance and calm leadership, guided New Zealand to the finals of both the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

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