Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Bharat Arun has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their new bowling coach ahead of IPL 2026.
Bharat Arun was with KKR for four seasons from 2022 to 2025 and saw them win the title in 2024. Arun’s stint with KKR came to an end as was confirmed by Cricbuzz, as he joined the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the new season.
Cricbuzz can further confirm that he has signed a two-year deal with LSG. However, as of now, neither Bharat Arun, nor KKR or LSG agreed to comment on the development. Meanwhile, LSG signing Arun also means that they are unlikely to continue with Zaheer Khan as the mentor of the side. He signed a one-year contract, which is unlikely to be renewed. The chances of Justin Langer’s contract extension also seems unlikely as he signed a two-year deal.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: BCCI Upset With Ajit Agarkar, Planning Morne Morkel’s Exit After Asia Cup: Reports
Advertisement
Bharat Arun Was Part Of KKR's 2024 IPL Triumph
Meanwhile, KKR released Bharat Arun soon after they also parted ways with Chandrakant Pandit, who joined them as the head coach during IPL 2022. Both Arun and Pandit stayed on with KKR for four years and oversaw their 2024 IPL triumph under Shreyas Iyer.
KKR, who finished eighth in IPL 2025, are looking to develop a new coaching staff ahead of IPL 2026. The release of Pandit and Arun were big signs from the management in that direction. They have been the most active franchise in terms of seeking a new head coach since the end of last season.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant Injury Update: Narayan Jagadeesan Named as Pant’s Replacement, No Spot for Ishan Kishan
Advertisement
KKR Bharat Arun Parted Ways On Mutual Terms
As per reports, Bharat Arun and KKR have parted ways on mutual terms. With the presence of Dwayne Bravo, the team mentor, also seeing the bowling plans, Arun expressed his willingness to move ahead and KKR very professionally agreed on his request. KKR have always maintained an 'institutional policy' of not coming in the way of the professional growth of their coaching staff, as was the case with Morne Morkel, Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar. They followed the same approach with Bharat Arun as well.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Major blow for England as Ben Stokes ruled out of the Oval Test
