With the IPL 2026 mega auction scheduled for 16 December in Abu Dhabi, Lucknow Super Giants have made a strong off-field addition. The franchise has appointed Carl Crowe, the well-known English spin coach, as their new Spin Bowling Coach.
This move comes just weeks before LSG enter the auction with plans to fill six remaining slots, including four overseas positions. The team is currently led by captain Rishabh Pant, who was retained for a record ₹27 crore.
Who Is Carl Crowe? Why LSG Picked Him
Carl Crowe is a respected name in T20 cricket coaching, especially for his work with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he helped develop world-class spinners like:
Say hello to the man guiding all our tweakers 🩵 pic.twitter.com/4z0zjelEpi
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) November 25, 2025
- Sunil Narine
- Varun Chakravarthy
His technical knowledge of variations, grip control, and situational bowling has benefited many established T20 spinners around the world.
Although Crowe never played international cricket, his domestic career includes:
- 42 First-Class matches – 60 wickets
- 40 List A matches – 33 wickets
- 1 T20 match
LSG officially announced his appointment on his 50th birthday, making the moment even more special.
A New-Look, High-Profile Support Staff
Carl Crowe joins one of the most experienced coaching units in IPL 2026:
- Cricket Director: Tom Moody
- Strategic Advisor: Kane Williamson
- Head Coach: Justin Langer
- Assistant Coach: Lance Klusener
- Bowling Coach: Bharat Arun
- Spin Bowling Coach: Carl Crowe
This combination of global experience, tactical strength, and specialist expertise makes LSG one of the most well-prepared teams ahead of the new season.
LSG have retained and traded 19 players, including their core group and overseas stars. They can pick up to six players in the auction, with:
- 4 overseas slots empty
- ₹22.95 crore purse remaining
Crowe’s arrival indicates that LSG will strongly target:
- A specialist mystery spinner
- A backup overseas spinner
- All-rounders who can contribute with spin in middle overs
The franchise is building a squad with depth, versatility, and strong leadership on and off the field.
LSG have been close to playoffs in recent seasons, and strengthening the spin department was a key requirement. With Carl Crowe tactical guidance and Bharat Arun’s pace expertise, the franchise now has a well-balanced coaching team. As the auction approaches, LSG bold and strategic moves suggest the team is targeting a breakthrough season in IPL 2026.
