Carl Crowe joins Lucknow’s expanded coaching group
As preparations intensify for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, IPL, the Lucknow Super Giants have moved to strengthen a key part of their coaching department by appointing Carl Crowe as their new spin bowling coach.
The announcement was made through the team’s social channels, continuing a series of structural changes the franchise has been rolling out during the off season.
For readers unfamiliar with the sport, the IPL is a franchise based cricket league played in India, known for its global audience, high salaries, and a blend of international and local talent.
Coaching staffs often include specialists responsible for batting, fast bowling, fielding, and spin bowling, the latter being a style of bowling where the ball is delivered slowly with heavy rotation to deceive batters. Crowe will now oversee this specialist area for Lucknow.
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Who is Carl Crowe
Crowe, who grew up in Leicester in England, spent several years playing county cricket with Leicestershire, where he made 49 first class appearances and took 60 wickets. Although he did not progress to the senior England squad, he moved into coaching, a shift that led him to a variety of roles across international T20 leagues.
His reputation grew during his time with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, where he worked as a spin consultant. He later contributed to the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, a tournament many consider the IPL’s regional equivalent in the West Indies.
One of his most widely noted coaching achievements came through his work with spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who has previously spoken in IPL coverage about how Crowe helped refine elements of his technique and match preparation.
Why spin coaching matters in the IPL
Spin bowling plays an outsized role in Indian conditions, where dry pitches often assist bowlers who rely on grip and sharp turns. Teams typically invest in a specialist spin coach to prepare bowlers for these conditions and to analyse opposing batters.
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Lucknow’s decision to bring in Crowe, who has experience with unconventional and data driven spin techniques, reflects a focus on strengthening this part of their tactical setup.
Lucknow’s broader rebuild
Crowe’s arrival is only one piece of a larger restructuring project at the franchise. The team, captained by Indian wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant, has reshaped both its leadership and its support staff to introduce more international expertise.
Australian coach Justin Langer leads the group, with Lance Klusener assisting him. Bharat Arun continues to manage the pace bowlers, and Tom Moody has been appointed as director of cricket, a role that oversees long term planning and player development.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, one of world cricket’s most respected tacticians, has also joined as a strategic adviser. Together, the expanded team represents one of the most internationally experienced coaching groups in the IPL.
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Updated leadership structure
Captain, Rishabh Pant
Director of cricket, Tom Moody
Strategic adviser, Kane Williamson
Coach, Justin Langer
Assistant coach, Lance Klusener
Bowling coach, Bharat Arun
Spin bowling coach, Carl Crowe
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