LSG rope in THIS Indian stalwart as new fielding coach ahead of IPL 2026

LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs last year.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are currently making several changes to their team management ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. While they retained captain Rishabh Pant, despite his underwhelming outing last year and a huge pay cheque, the franchise recently unveiled changes to their team logo.

Justin Langer continues as the head coach, with owner Sanjiv Goenka making it clear that the goal for his team this year will be to win their maiden title. After reaching the playoffs in their first two seasons, they finished seventh last year.

This time around, they have further bolstered their overseas contingent with the inclusion of Josh Inglis and Wanindu Hasaranga. Considering Aiden Markram’s recent form, LSG look like a formidable unit on paper.

However it was their bowling which struggled last year, mainly due to injuries. Lucknow went to the auction and increased their depth in the bowling department with more backup options, hoping to give themselves the best possible chance ahead of the new season.

LSG appoint Abhay Sharma as fielding coach ahead of IPL 2026

Abhay Sharma will join LSG as their fielding coach, having previously been part of India’s U19 coaching set up. Sharma has also coached the Indian Women’s cricket team, and was Uganda’s head coach, where the country made their appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Sharma replaces the legendary Jhonty Rhodes as the new fielding coach. Some of the other changes to the coaching set up include the inclusion of Tom Moody as their Diirector of Cricket and Kane Williamson as their strategic director.

Back in his cricketing days, Abhay Sharma was a domestic legend having played 89 first class matches and scored a total of 4105 runs at an average of 36, with 9 centuries and 20 fifties to his name. He will look to inspire the current batch of LSG players to put a solid show on the field.

With Ekana Cricket Stadium being Lucknow’s home ground, fielding will be crucial for LSG to find success at home. Ekana is a massive stadium, and hence ground-fielding along with accurate throws from the boundary ropes can play a big role in preventing opposition teams from scoring big totals.

With big shoes to fill, Sharma will look to make a mark with his unique tactics and methods.

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