Kane Williamson could be set for a bigger role at Lucknow Super Giants, it is learnt. The former New Zealand captain was brought in as the team’s strategic advisor for the 2026 IPL season. LSG finished at the bottom of the table with eight points from 14 matches, and according to sources, head coach Justin Langer is on a slippery slope. Bigger responsibility might fall on Williamson going ahead.
While appointing Williamson, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had posted on social media: “His leadership, strategic insight, deep understanding of the game, and ability to inspire players make him an invaluable addition to the team.” The Lucknow-based franchise also have IPL title-winning coach Tom Moody as their global director of cricket. But given the age profile, his pedigree as a cricketer and the respect he has in the dressing-room, Williamson could be a more attractive choice, should the franchise decide to tweak.
LSG finished seventh last year with 12 points from 14 matches. After that, the franchise changed their coaching staff, but Langer, along with fast-bowling coach Bharat Arun, was retained. The progress of the likes of Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav confirms Arun’s contribution in his role. Prince has been picked for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan.
About Rishabh Pant’s future, as captain and player, it is something for the future. Contrary to common perception, the skipper and the owner aren’t at odds with each other. Any decision related to the wicketkeeper-batsman would be a cricketing decision.
LSG forked out a record Rs 27 crore at the 2025 IPL mega-auction to rope in Pant. Over the two years, things haven’t quite gone to plan. The southpaw finished the 2026 IPL with 312 runs from 13 innings at an average of 28.36, and a strike-rate of 138.05. On RevSportz, renowned coach Zubin Bharucha analysed the technical issues that have been stalling the progress of the 28-year-old as a batsman in white-ball cricket. Pant has also lost his place in India’s ODI squad.
After the Punjab Kings game, Moody mentioned that LSG would consider a leadership reset. “From a captaincy point of view, you know, he (Pant) has found it challenging, obviously, and the results reflect that,” he said at the post-match press conference. “And you do have to wonder whether that is a pressure that is reflected with his performance with the bat. I know that this season has been a difficult season for us, but we will reflect on it, we will take time, we will reflect on it. We will consider all things.”
He added: “Like every department, when you do reflect on a season, we will be making some considered decisions, but it certainly looks like that we are needing to consider a reset.”
LSG will do a season review, and some tough calls are expected.
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