In a thrilling development for the Indian Premier League, New Zealand’s cricketing icon, Kane Williamson, has officially joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a strategic advisor, looking ahead to the 2026 season. This exciting announcement promises to infuse the franchise with Williamson’s renowned leadership and profound understanding of the game.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka enthusiastically confirmed the appointment on X, stating, “Kane has always been a part of the Super Giants family, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome him in this crucial new capacity. His unparalleled leadership, sharp strategic insights, deep knowledge of cricket, and inspiring presence will be an invaluable asset to our team.”
Cool. Calm. Calculated. Kane Williamson is now part of our think tank as our Strategic Advisor. 🙌
Welcome to Lucknow, Kane Mama! 💙 pic.twitter.com/t5v9OGMqyU
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) October 16, 2025
Williamson’s connection with the Super Giants isn’t new; he has previously been involved with their Durban squad in the SA20 league. The 35-year-old last played for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final earlier this year, and while he hasn’t officially retired from international cricket, he has opted for a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket. This arrangement means he will miss the upcoming T20I home series against England but is expected to return for the One Day Internationals, with the first 50-over match scheduled for October 26 in his hometown of Tauranga.
Despite his status as an IPL veteran, Williamson’s on-field appearances have been sparse over the past three seasons. During IPL 2023, after being picked by the Gujarat Titans (GT), he suffered a knee injury in their opening game, sidelining him for the remainder of the tournament. In 2024, he continued with Gujarat but played only two matches, scoring 27 runs from 27 balls. The 2025 mega auction saw him go unsold, a surprising turn for a player of his caliber.
His most recent competitive outing was in The Hundred in England, where he impressed, smashing 204 runs in eight innings for London Spirit at a strike rate of 129.93, despite his team finishing seventh out of eight.
While Williamson may not have a background in direct managerial roles or team support staff, his reputation in the global cricketing arena is immense. He famously led New Zealand to the 2019 ODI World Cup final and secured the inaugural World Test Championship title two years later.
He now joins an LSG side led by Rishabh Pant and coached by Justin Langer. The Super Giants faced a challenging previous season, finishing in seventh place, mirroring their 2024 performance. Williamson’s strategic input will undoubtedly be a key factor in their efforts to climb the ranks in the upcoming IPL 2026.