Justin Langer retained as Lucknow Super Giants’ head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have officially confirmed that Justin Langer will continue as the team’s head coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise, owned by the RPSG Group under Sanjiv Goenka, announced, while also revealing new additions to their support staff, including Kane Williamson as strategic advisor and Carl Crowe as spin-bowling coach.

Since joining the IPL in 2022, Lucknow Super Giants have finished third in their debut season and are replicating that success in 2023. However, the last two seasons have been less fruitful, with the franchise finishing seventh in both 2024 and 2025 under the Australians’ stewardship.

Despite the dip in results, LSG’s management has chosen to retain Langer for long-term development.  Langer, who joined LSG in 2024, has brought a strong work ethic and discipline, which he was known for during his tenure as Australia’s head coach.

“We enter every IPL season full of hope and expectation – 2026 is no exception and we are excited about the work we have ahead of us as we continue building a franchise into one the Goenka family, our players, sponsors, supporters and fans are all immensely proud of. The work hasn’t stopped since the end of last season as we prepare to make our mark on this season’s IPL. The hope, expectation and passion for LSG is growing strongly. We are looking forward to strengthening our squad in the coming months. And, we look forward to seeing Ekana bathed in blue when the season kicks off,” Langer said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

To strengthen their backroom strength, the franchise has roped in former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson as a strategic advisor. The team also announced Carl Crowe, formerly of Kolkata Knight Riders, as the new spin-bowling coach. Crowe joins Bharat Arun, who recently took over as fast-bowling coach after leaving KKR earlier this year.