In a major development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka on Thursday announced that former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has joined the franchise as their new Strategic Advisor. The move comes as part of the team’s efforts to rebuild after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, where they finished seventh on the points table despite having a star-studded line-up.

Franchise looks to rebuild after underwhelming 2025 season

The Lucknow Super Giants had entered the 2025 IPL season with one of the strongest squads on paper, featuring international stars and India’s marquee players. However, their inconsistent performances and injury setbacks led to an early exit from playoff contention. The team’s management now aims to reset its approach and strategy under the guidance of seasoned cricketing minds.

Rishabh Pant, who became the highest-paid player in IPL history after signing a ₹27 crore deal at the 2025 auction, is expected to remain a central figure in the team’s leadership group. However, Goenka’s decision to bring in Williamson signals a strategic overhaul focused on calm leadership, team balance, and smarter on-field decisions.

Goenka welcomes Williamson in new role

Announcing the appointment on X (formerly Twitter), Sanjiv 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. His leadership, strategic insight, deep understanding of the game, and ability to inspire players make him an invaluable addition to the team.”

The addition of Williamson, Goenka believes, will strengthen the team’s cricketing structure and bring a renewed sense of discipline and purpose.

Williamson replaces Zaheer Khan as mentor

As reported earlier by The Times of India, Kane Williamson replaces former India pacer Zaheer Khan, who served as LSG’s mentor during the previous season. The franchise’s management hopes that the former New Zealand captain’s analytical mindset and composed leadership will help the team achieve better consistency.

The appointment reflects Sanjiv Goenka’s long-standing admiration for Williamson’s cricketing philosophy — built on calmness, tactical precision, and the ability to motivate players during high-pressure moments.

A proven leader with a decorated career

At 35, Kane Williamson continues to be an active international cricketer but recently opted out of New Zealand’s central contract to explore opportunities in global franchise leagues. Known for his understated leadership and gentlemanly demeanour, Williamson has long been considered one of the most respected figures in world cricket.

Across formats, he has built an impressive record — scoring 9,276 runs in 105 Tests and 7,236 runs in 173 ODIs. His batting average, temperament, and adaptability have often been cited as benchmarks for modern batsmen.

In the IPL, Williamson spent most of his career with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), captaining the side to the 2018 final, where they finished runners-up. He later represented Gujarat Titans in brief stints before becoming a free agent.

Role at Lucknow Super Giants

At Lucknow, Williamson will work closely with head coach Justin Langer, who has been retained by the franchise. The duo will be joined by Carl Crowe, who has been appointed as the new spin coach. Together, they are expected to shape the franchise’s cricketing blueprint for the coming seasons — focusing on talent development, tactical depth, and leadership training.

Given Williamson’s reputation for strategic acumen and player management, his input is likely to influence both team selection and match-day planning.

A fresh chapter for Lucknow

For the Lucknow Super Giants, this appointment marks a new phase in their IPL journey. Since joining the league in 2022, the franchise has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency during the knockout stages. Williamson’s calm yet authoritative presence could be the missing link in helping the team transition from a competitive side to a title contender.

As the countdown to IPL 2026 begins, fans will be watching closely to see how Williamson’s advisory role shapes the Super Giants’ culture and on-field performance.