In a big move before the IPL 2026 season, Kane Williamson, once a New Zealand’s captain will be reportedly going to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their Strategic Adviser. The news was confirmed on October 16, 2025, with reports saying that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka personally welcomed Williamson to the team.
A New Chapter for Williamson
One of the most respected cricketers in the world, Kane Williamson will bring a wealth of experience to Lucknow. He is known for sharp cricketing brain and his calm nature. Williamson has guided New Zealand to some historic milestones, which includes the 2019 World Cup final and the 2021 World Test Championship title.
Williamson has earlier captained Sunrisers Hyderabad and played for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, scoring over 2,128 runs across multiple seasons. Yet, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, and many believed it was the end of his IPL journey.
Not a Player – A Strategic Adviser
Reports say that Williamson’s role will not involve playing. He will be working as a Strategic Adviser, focusing on team planning, batting approach, player growth, and match preparation. His experience is expected to help LSG’s captain and coaching team make smarter on-field and off-field decisions.
Williamson will be replacing Zaheer Khan as per the reports, who was LSG’s mentor in the previous season 2025. On the other hand, Justin Langer remains as the head coach, Carl Crowe joins as spin coach, and Bharat Arun continues as bowling coach. The management believes this strong mix of global experience and leadership will bring more consistency to the team.
Why LSG Went for Williamson
Lucknow Super Giants endured a below-par IPL 2025, finishing seventh in the standings and missing out on the playoffs. The team struggled with inconsistency, especially in the batting department. Sanjiv Goenka reportedly met Williamson in London earlier this year to discuss a potential advisory role. After meetings with Justin Langer and LSG’s leadership group, the move was finalized.
Reports say Goenka wanted a “calm and strategic voice” to add firmness and smart thinking to LSG’s decisions. Williamson’s record as a composed leader and his ability to read the game make him a perfect choice.
Also read: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: List of teams that have qualified for the World Cup so far!
What his Appointment Means for LSG
- Guide young Indian players in improving their temperament and technique.
- Assist with auction strategy and player scouting.
- Help define clear roles for overseas players.
- Provide tactical inputs on opposition analysis and batting plans.
His calm behaviour and team-first attitude could also encourage a stronger dressing-room culture, something LSG has struggled to maintain over the past two seasons.
What Lies Ahead
The upcoming IPL 2026 season will be crucial for Lucknow. With a strong backroom team, including Kane Williamson’s strategic input, LSG aims to bounce back and challenge for the title. The franchise has a talented core, including players like Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Ravi Bishnoi, but has often hesitated in key moments.
Kane Williamson’s move to Lucknow Super Giants marks an exciting new phase for both the player and the franchise. While he won’t be seen batting on the field, his influence from the dugout could be just as valuable. With his experience, leadership, and cricketing intelligence, LSG will hope to finally convert potential into performance and mount a serious challenge for the IPL 2026 trophy.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
