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Bharat Arun Appointed as Bowling Coach of Lucknow Super Giants for Upcoming IPL Seasons
LSG Strengthen Coaching Setup with High-Profile Appointment
In a strategic move ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) cycle, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have appointed Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach. Arun, a former India international pacer and a renowned coach, brings a wealth of experience to the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise after a successful tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Arun, who served as the bowling coach of the Indian national team and played a crucial role in developing one of the world’s most formidable bowling attacks, has signed a two-year contract with LSG. This marks a significant acquisition for the franchise, especially as it looks to rebuild and restructure its backroom staff.
Bharat Arun’s Coaching Legacy and IPL Impact
Arun’s reputation as a bowling strategist was cemented during his stint with Team India, where he was credited with the development of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. His next impactful stop was with KKR, where he joined in 2022 and stayed until the conclusion of the 2024 season — a season that saw KKR lift the IPL trophy under his bowling mentorship.
Why Arun Left KKR: A Mutual Decision
Although neither KKR, Arun, nor LSG issued an official statement, insiders reveal that Arun’s departure from KKR was a mutual decision, rooted in professionalism and respect. With Dwayne Bravo already functioning as the bowling mentor at KKR, it was felt that an overload of technical inputs could hamper clarity in strategy.
Moreover, KKR has an organizational ethos of not obstructing the professional growth of their coaching personnel. When Arun approached the management with a release request to pursue an opportunity with LSG, the franchise willingly supported the move, underlining their ‘institutional policy’ of empowering staff career advancement.
Read More: Top Bowling Coaches in IPL History
End of the Road for Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer at LSG?
The inclusion of Bharat Arun has prompted serious speculations about the future of Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer with LSG. Zaheer, who was onboarded as a mentor for the previous season, was on a one-year contract which is now under review. Given Arun’s full-year engagement with the players, the likelihood of Zaheer’s contract renewal appears slim.
Similarly, Justin Langer, who held the position of head coach for two IPL seasons, is also reportedly on the exit radar. Franchise officials are currently reassessing the coaching dynamics, and sweeping changes seem imminent.
Arun’s Appointment Aligns with LSG’s Long-Term Vision
With Arun’s arrival, LSG signals its commitment to developing a world-class bowling unit. The former Indian bowling coach is expected to work with players not just during the IPL season, but throughout the year — a model increasingly being adopted by forward-looking franchises.
This continuous engagement is aimed at helping bowlers refine their skills, recover strategically, and prepare better for high-pressure games. Arun’s vast experience in both domestic and international circuits is expected to immensely benefit rising talents and experienced campaigners alike in the LSG squad.
Coaching Carousel at KKR Continues
Interestingly, Arun’s departure comes right after Chandrakant Pandit was relieved of his duties as KKR’s head coach. With two key roles now vacant — head coach and bowling coach — KKR is expected to initiate a robust recruitment process to rebuild its think tank ahead of IPL 2026.
The Kolkata franchise has a track record of grooming coaching talents who later take up prestigious national roles. Former KKR coaches such as Brendon McCullum, Trevor Bayliss, Gautam Gambhir, and others have gone on to represent or coach at the international level.
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