Sanjiv Goenka's influence? Key challenges for Kane Williamson as LSG strategic advisor

Rishabh Pant and Sanjiv Goenka - (Source : SanjivGoenka/X.com)

On Thursday, October 16, Sanjiv Goenka took to Twitter to reveal a massive development that Lucknow Super Giants have roped in Kane Williamson as the strategic advisor for the Rishabh Pant-led side for IPL 2026. Williamson, who went unsold in IPL 2025, was associated with Durban's Super Giants in SA20 and has now extended his commitment to the Goenka group in a new role. 

The New Zealand legend has a lot to work on in his new assessment, as LSG finished seventh last year. Further, Williamson needs to act fast and prepare a plan for the Super Giants to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming mini-auction in mid-December.

Having said that, it will not be a cakewalk for the former New Zealand skipper to turn things around and will face key challenges in his tenure, and this article will shed light on the challenges that Williamson might face as LSG's strategic advisor.

1. Influence of Sanjiv Goenka

Like it or not, but the Lucknow Super Giants have a negative reputation among fans because of their owner, Sanjiv Goenka. Things went south after Goenka publicly slammed KL Rahul in IPL 2024, and reports of his high influence on the team's strategy made rounds on the internet.

Further, Rishabh Pant's presence will also be key as the 27 crore buy will have a massive say in the team, and executing your plans despite the influence of Pant and Sanjiv Goenka will be a key challenge for Kane Williamson. 

2. Taking the bold call on Rishabh Pant

As mentioned above, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the table and needs a major overhaul in their squad. Now, the issue with Lucknow is that they have spent the majority of their cash on a few players only.

For LSG to make changes during the IPL 2025 mini-auction, they need to create space for the purse value. For LSG, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep account for 62 crores. Whereas the rest of the squad doesn't add up to such a total. Hence, Kane Williamson needs to take bold calls and convince Sanjiv Goenka and the rest of the management to release some big names from the team, and create space for the purse value.

Talking about Pant, the southpaw amassed just 269 runs in 13 innings, averaging just 24.45. let's look at the performances of all highly-paid players for LSG.

3. Get the pace attack sorted

LSG has one of the worst pace attacks in IPL, and a key challenge for Williamson will be to get that department sorted. If we look at the team, then LSG have Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Shamar Joseph.

Mayank was injured for most of the season, and the rest weren't up to the mark. Thus, LSG lack a quality seam-bowling option and a wicket-taking option. Thus, Williamson needs to bring in a quality overseas seamer who can take wickets.

---

ALSO READ

Sanjiv Goenka confirms Kane Williamson's appointment as LSG's strategic advisor

---