Bharat Arun Named Lucknow Super Giants Bowling Coach After KKR Stint

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have secured the services of Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach for the upcoming seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Arun, renowned for his instrumental role in shaping the Indian national team's bowling attack during his tenure as their bowling coach, transitions to LSG following a successful period with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), including their championship-winning season in 2024. He had been with KKR for four years, since the 2022 season.

During his four-year tenure, KKR won the title in 2024 © BCCI

While official comments from KKR, LSG, and Arun were not immediately available, Cricbuzz has confirmed that the 62-year-old Arun has signed a two-year contract with the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise. This role will involve year-round engagement with LSG players.

The arrival of Arun suggests that LSG is unlikely to extend the contract of Zaheer Khan, who served as a mentor for the team last season. Reports indicate that Zaheer Khan had a one-year deal with the franchise, and the management is currently reassessing the agreement. The chances of renewal appear slim, as are those of head coach Justin Langer, who has been with the team for a couple of seasons.

This development follows KKR's recent parting of ways with head coach Chandrakant Pandit. KKR now has two significant coaching vacancies, and the team is expected to undertake a comprehensive selection process to fill these roles.

KKR prides itself on its coaching staff alumni, including names like Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate, Abhishek Nayar, Brandon McCullum, Trevor Bayliss, and physio Kamlesh Jain, who have progressed to prominent positions within national teams, particularly India and England.

The departure of Bharat Arun from KKR appears to have been amicable. The presence of Dwayne Bravo, the team's mentor, overseeing bowling strategies, led to a mutual understanding that too many voices could potentially be detrimental to the team's best interests. Furthermore, KKR has a long-standing policy of supporting the professional advancement of its staff. This principle was reportedly communicated to Arun when he sought a release from the franchise.