IPL 2026: Bharat Arun leaves KKR to join LSG as bowling coach

Bharat Arun, the former India pacer, has been onboarded as the bowling coach by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2026. Among the latest franchises in the mega league, LSG have welcomed the seasoned campaigner after his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders. Arun had been on a four-year stay with the three-time champions, but he will now head to LSG to guide them to their maiden title hunt.

The Lucknow-based franchise already has the likes of Zaheer Khan, but in a mentor's capacity. However, since Zaheer had joined the side on a one-year deal, Arun has likely been brought in as a cover. The reason behind his departure from KKR is not surprising, since a T20 specialist in Dwayne Bravo is already a part of the side. Bravo, like Zaheer, is also in a mentor's capacity with the Knight Riders, and is now expected to play a dual role.

Earlier, there were reports of Arun joining five-time champion side Chennai Super Kings, but with that possibility now ruled out, at least for the time being, the 62-year-old will want to guide Rishabh Pant and his men to a successful campaign in 2026. Arun will bring to the table almost a decade of experience of coaching top franchises and international sides to glory, now that he has moved on from KKR.

Knight Riders likely to revamp coaching staff

The Vijaywada-born is not the only part of the coaching staff to be leaving KKR. The side led by Ajinkya Rahane in 2025, also bid adieu to its long-standing head coach Chandrakant Pandit. The franchise mentioned that Pandit has left with an intention to explore opportunities outside, and both have signed off on happy terms. Unlike Arun, there is no information if Pandit has joined hands with any other IPL team. He will be a hot pick for any team, though, since he has coached teams like KKR, Vidarbha, MP, and Mumbai to multiple title wins in the last decade or so.