Lucknow Super Giants part ways with head coach Andy Flower

Despite making it to back-to-back playoffs in the Indian Premier League, Lucknow Super Giants have decided to part ways with head coach Andy Flower. The franchise took to Twitter to announce the new development, thanked the former Zimbabwe international for his services, and also mentioned that he will forever be a part of the LSG family.

Meanwhile, Flower may not be the only one to leave the LSG set-up. As per initial reports, Gautam Gambhir, too, had held talks with Kolkata Knight Riders, and a potential return is not being ruled out. Notably, under the leadership of the southpaw, KKR won the tournament in 2012 and 2014 and thus, the franchise seems to be keen on bringing him back to the set-up as it’s been almost a decade since the team from the east won an IPL trophy.

Dear Andy,

Today it's farewell, but it'll never be goodbye because you'll always be one of our own. Thank you for everything! 💙 pic.twitter.com/EGtaRvYiHj

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) July 14, 2023

On the other hand, as per Cricbuzz, former Australia international Justin Langer is the favourite to be appointed as the next head coach of Lucknow. He has enjoyed tremendous success with the Australian team and even won the T20 World Cup in 2021. He has also helped the nation build a strong unit after the infamous sandpaper-gate incident that shook the country. 

However, his relationship with Cricket Australia ended on bitter terms, and since then, the former cricketer has taken up the role of a commentator. He also had massive success as the coach of Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, and if he joins Lucknow, the former cricketer will be aiming to inject a winning mentality into the team.

Meanwhile, under Flower, Lucknow lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2022 IPL Eliminator and to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator of the 2023 season. Nevertheless, the 55-year-old set a strong culture in the team, and thus, the KL Rahul-led side was one of the favourites to win the trophy in both years of their existence. Next up, the franchise is aiming to start afresh and thus, more such bold decisions are expected.