LSG rope in ex-KKR support staff member Carl Crowe as spin coach ahead of IPL 2026

Published - 25 Nov 2025, 17:41 IST | Updated - 25 Nov 2025, 17:47 IST

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have acquired the services of Carl Crowe as their new spin coach. The 50-year-old was the spin coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when they lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the third time under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy in 2024.

Crowe is renowned for his insightful approach to T20 spin bowling. He has extensive experience working in various T20 global cricket leagues, including the Big Bash League (BBL), T20 Blast, and Global T20 Canada.

Lucknow confirmed the signing of their latest recruit through a post on social media on Tuesday (November 25) morning.

Crowe, a former English cricketer, never got to make his international debut. However, he played 542 first-class matches, 40 List A and one T20 game. The Leicester-born scored 695, 189, and 9 runs across the three formats, respectively. He also has 60 first-class and 33 List A wickets to his name.

As a coach, Crowe is hailed for his innovative training techniques, including encouraging bowlers to intentionally bowl “bad balls” in the nets to improve control under pressure. He deserves a lot of credit for reviving Varun Chakaravarthy's career, helping him earn an India call-up after three years. Now, the Tamil Nadu spinner is the top-ranked bowler in T20Is and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Men in Blue during their triumphant run in the Champions Trophy.

LSG have roped in quite a few players and support staff members who had been associated with KKR in the past. Their first-ever assistant coach was Vijay Dahiya, who had previously worked with KKR in the same role. Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to two titles during his playing days, mentored LSG for two seasons.

Among players, the likes of Shardul Thakur, Shivam Mavi, and Jason Holder, among others, joined LSG after stints with KKR.

Rishabh Pant-led LSG finished seventh last season, with six wins and eight losses from 14 matches. They will look to bounce back strongly next year and have a much-improved campaign.

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The Lucknow-based franchise has significantly bolstered its side by picking Mohammed Shami through trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar has also been traded in from the Mumbai Indians, and Shardul Thakur has been sent to the five-time champions. A few good picks from the auction would make this team a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2026.