In a big move, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed the former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Bharat Arun has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Bharat Arun played a key role in shaping India’s world-class bowling attack and recently helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lift the IPL title in 2024. His arrival signals a major shake-up in Lucknow Super Giants’ support staff ahead of the next season.
Bharat Arun joins Lucknow Super Giants as bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026
It is being said that Zaheer Khan, who was LSG’s mentor last season, is unlikely to be re-signed by the franchise, as his one-year contract has ended with the IPL 2025. The former Indian fast bowler’s contract is reportedly under serious review.
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On the other hand, LSG head coach Justin Langer is also uncertain about continuing his role after a mixed two-year stint in the IPL. With Sanjiv Goenka’s franchise looking to rebuild under new leadership, Arun is expected to work closely with LSG bowlers not just during the IPL but throughout the year.
A Cricbuzz report reads, “It is confirmed that Arun has inked a two-year deal with the Sanjiv Goenka-owned side for a role that will require him to work with the LSG players throughout the year.”
KKR part ways with Bharat Arun mutually after Chandrakant Pandit’s exit
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially parted ways with their bowling coach Bharat Arun, just a day after removing their head coach Chandrakant Pandit. This means there are now two major coaching positions open in the three-time IPL champions’ side.
However, Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to follow a proper selection process before appointing new staff. Over the years, KKR has built a strong reputation for helping its coaches grow, with several former staff members like Gautam Gambhir, Trevor Bayliss, and Brandon McCullum going on to take up top roles with international teams like India and England.
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However, Arun’s exit from the KKR side was a friendly one. With Dwayne Bravo already handling some of the bowling responsibilities as team mentor, both KKR and Arun sides agreed that having too many voices could confuse the players, and they parted ways.
Bharat Arun reunites with Rishabh Pant as LSG eyes strong comeback in IPL 2026
Also, KKR has always followed a policy of supporting its staff’s career moves. Arun had asked to be released, and the team respected his decision. Now, Arun is all set to reunite with the LSG captain Rishabh Pant and fast bowler Avesh Khan in the IPL 2026.
On the other hand, the Lucknow Super Giants had a tough time in the 2025 IPL season, finishing seventh on the points table. After making it to the IPL playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, this was a big step back for the Lucknow-based team.
The Lucknow Super Giants played 14 matches, won 6, and lost 8, ending the 2025 season with 12 points and a negative net run rate of -0.376. One of their biggest problems was in bowling, as injuries to key pacers like Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan hurt their performance badly in the last season.
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