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Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has thrown his hat into the ring for a potential spin-bowling coaching role with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), making a direct and public appeal to franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka. The 60-year-old cricketer took to social media on October 17, 2026, expressing his confidence in his ability to revitalise LSG's spin department, a crucial move as the franchise navigates a period of significant strategic overhaul and seeks to reverse its recent IPL fortunes. LSG Owner Sanjeev Goenka-Owned Durban’s Super Giants Get New Logo Ahead of SA20 2027.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Approaches LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka for Coaching Role
@DrSanjivGoenka I am Laxman Sivaramakrishnan former Indian cricketer. If you are looking for a spin bowling coach, please let me know. I have confidence that I can deliver the results.
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) October 17, 2026
"@DrSanjivGoenka I am Laxman Sivaramakrishnan former Indian cricketer. If you are looking for a spin bowling coach, please let me know. I have confidence that I can deliver the results," Sivaramakrishnan posted on X. He further emphasised his ambition to demonstrate that "spinners can be match winners in T20s," a statement that resonates amidst the evolving dynamics of the shortest format of the game.
Sivaramakrishnan's proactive approach comes at a critical juncture for the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise. After making promising playoff appearances in their debut IPL seasons of 2022 and 2023, LSG has experienced a considerable dip in performance, finishing seventh in both IPL 2024 and 2025, and notably ending last in the recently concluded IPL 2026 season. Such results have undoubtedly prompted a re-evaluation of the team's strategies and personnel, both on and off the field. The team's current head coach, Justin Langer, assumed the role ahead of IPL 2024.
The existing spin-bowling coach for Lucknow Super Giants is Carl Crowe, who joined the team ahead of IPL 2026. While Crowe's tenure is relatively new, the team's overall performance has led to speculation about potential changes. LSG's coaching staff for the upcoming 2027 season also includes Tom Moody as Director of Cricket, Kane Williamson as Strategic Advisor, Lance Klusener as Assistant Coach, and Bharat Arun as Bowling Coach.
Adding to the narrative of change, LSG has made a significant player trade, with news of it gaining traction around the same time as Sivaramakrishnan's appeal. In a high-profile move for the IPL 2027 season, LSG acquired India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from Delhi Capitals. In return, the Lucknow franchise released their captain, Rishabh Pant, who has rejoined DC. Pant had been acquired by LSG for a record-breaking ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Following the trade, Pant rejoined DC at a revised fee of ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep Yadav's services for LSG will cost ₹13.5 crore. This substantial reshuffling of key players underscores the franchise's determination to rebuild and find a winning combination. IPL 2027 Mini-Auction to Take Place in Goa on December 15–16.
Sanjiv Goenka, the 65-year-old chairman of the RPSG Group, is known for his hands-on approach to managing his sporting ventures. His team's performance, particularly the disappointing finish in IPL 2026, will likely spur further discussions and considerations for every available avenue to improve. Sivaramakrishnan's direct public offer serves as a bold pitch for a role that could prove vital in turning around LSG's fortunes, especially with a new prominent spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, set to join the squad for IPL 2027.
The former India spinner's confidence and willingness to publicly back his abilities will undoubtedly be noted by Goenka and the LSG management as they continue to shape their team and support staff for future IPL campaigns.