In another blow to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), just a month after head coach Gautam Gambhir’s departure, assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has also announced his exit from the franchise. Taking to Instagram, the veteran coach confirmed the news, writing,
“Time to bid adieu … LSG Lucknow Super Giants, it was a wonderful experience working with the team over the past two years. Wishing team LSG all the very best @lucknowsupergiants #lucknowsupergiants.”
Dahiya’s exit wasn’t entirely unexpected, considering his close association with Gambhir. He joined LSG alongside Gambhir in 2022 and had previously worked with him for several years at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as assistant coach (2011-2017). Dahiya even played a pivotal role in bringing Gambhir to KKR in 2011.
Under their combined leadership, LSG delivered decent results, reaching the second round of the playoffs in both IPL seasons. However, with Gambhir and Dahiya’s departures, questions arise about the team’s future direction.
LSG has already moved on, appointing Justin Langer as their new head coach in 2023. Sridharan Sriram, who worked with Langer in the Australian setup, has also joined LSG. Jonty Rhodes and Morne Morkel, the fielding and bowling coaches respectively, have been retained.
While LSG focuses on building a new coaching team, speculation swirls about Dahiya’s next move. His ties to Gambhir and KKR are undeniable, prompting rumors of a potential reunion. KKR are known to be looking for a coaching staff overhaul, and Dahiya’s experience and understanding of the franchise could make him a strong contender.
The upcoming season could potentially see Gambhir and Dahiya reuniting in familiar colors, while LSG embarks on a new chapter under Langer’s leadership. Who will emerge victorious in this coaching reshuffle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting season filled with unexpected twists and turns.
