Abhay Sharma joins LSG as fielding coach for the 2026 IPL season

Abhay Sharma joins LSG as fielding coach for the 2026 IPL season

Former Delhi cricketer Abhay Sharma will bring his extensive coaching experience to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he joins the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their new fielding coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The 56-year-old has previously worked with the India Under-19 and Uganda national teams, as well as the Indian women’s team, making him one of the most experienced domestic coaches in the Indian cricket circuit. So let’s take a look at Abhay Sharma joining LSG as fielding coach.

Abhay Sharma is likely to replace Jonty Rhodes at LSG

Abhay Sharma is expected to replace South African legend Jonty Rhodes, who has served as LSG’s fielding coach since the franchise’s inception in 2022. With Rhodes’ contract reportedly set to expire after IPL 2025, Sharma will step into his shoes as part of LSG’s new support staff led by head coach Justin Langer.

Abhay Sharma, a former wicketkeeper-batsman who represented Delhi and Railways in domestic cricket, has also held coaching roles with several Indian teams across age groups and formats. His wealth of experience in player development and excellence on the field make him a strong addition to the LSG line-up.

Impressive coaching journey across multiple levels

Abhay Sharma’s coaching credentials include serving as fielding coach for the Indian women’s team in 2021, where he was credited with improving their overall athleticism and catching standards. He also led the Indian Under-19 team that won the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup under coach Rahul Dravid.

In 2024, Sharma took charge of the Uganda national cricket team at the ICC T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies – a testament to his international fame and adaptability.

A BCCI official revealed to PTI:

“Abhay has extensive experience of working with India’s leading cricketers, which should prove useful at LSG.”

Major coaching overhaul at LSG ahead of IPL 2026

The move to bring in Abhay Sharma is part of a wider restructuring at LSG. The franchise recently appointed Tom Moody as Global Director of Cricket and Kane Williamson as their Strategic Advisor, signaling a strong intention to revamp their coaching framework.

After finishing seventh in the IPL 2025, with just six wins in fourteen matches, LSG are looking to come back stronger. With the addition of Sharma and an upgraded backroom team, the franchise is looking to sharpen on-field standards and mount a serious challenge for the IPL 2026 title.

Also Read: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Squads: Complete Team Lists

Conclusion

The arrival of Abhay Sharma marks a new chapter for Lucknow Super Giants, who are determined to rebuild and rise again in IPL 2026. With his expertise and the franchise’s renewed focus on player development, LSG fans can expect a more disciplined and competitive outfit in the coming season.

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