LSG Bowling Coach Bharat Arun Reunites with Mohammed Shami Ahead of IPL 2026
In a significant development for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise, bowling coach Bharat Arun has been reunited with veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami during the team's pre-season preparations. The reunion marks a continuation of their successful partnership that previously flourished within the Indian national team setup.
Shami's 'Breathtaking' Yorker Impresses LSG Coaching Staff
During a recent net session at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Mohammed Shami demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket. The 35-year-old pacer, whose last international appearance came during the 2025 Champions Trophy, showcased his trademark lethal yorkers, repeatedly rattling the stumps with precision and pace.
LSG head coach Justin Langer was particularly impressed with Shami's display, offering special praise during the team huddle. "Your yorker... that yorker.. is breathtaking," Langer could be heard saying in a video shared by the franchise on social media platforms.
Arun and Shami's Special Bond Strengthens LSG Bowling Unit
Bharat Arun, who played a pivotal role in shaping India's fast-bowling unit during his tenure as national bowling coach, expressed his excitement about working with Shami again. "Shami and I share a special bond, and we've been together in the Indian team for seven years," Arun told IANS. "I knew Shami even before that, and so that has only strengthened our bond."
The experienced coach highlighted Shami's exceptional qualities, stating: "For me, working with Shami, I know what he brings to the table - he's probably one of the best and better bowlers in world cricket today. It's very exciting for me to be working with Shami again."
LSG's Comprehensive Pace Bowling Arsenal for IPL 2026
On paper, Lucknow Super Giants boast one of the most formidable pace attacks in the upcoming IPL season. The bowling unit features:
- Mohammed Shami (experienced Indian international)
- Anrich Nortje (South African speedster)
- Mayank Yadav (emerging Indian talent)
- Mohsin Khan (promising left-arm pacer)
- Avesh Khan (established IPL performer)
- Arjun Tendulkar (developing young bowler)
- Naman Tiwari (upcoming prospect)
- Prince Yadav (domestic performer)
- Akash Singh (budding fast bowler)
Arun emphasized the diversity within the pace attack, noting: "If you look at Nortje and Shami, they bring in a lot of experience. Prince has done extremely well. Avesh and Mohsin are all exciting talents, while Naman, Akash, and Arjun are also there."
Managing Workloads and Injury Recovery Protocols
With several bowlers returning from injury layoffs, LSG has implemented careful workload management strategies. The franchise conducted a pre-season camp approximately one month before assembling in Lucknow to assess each bowler's fitness levels and recovery progress.
"Managing the fast-bowling workload is not only my job - it's also three of us together -- the physiotherapist, the strength and conditioning expert, and myself," Arun explained regarding the collaborative approach to player management.
The bowling coach acknowledged the challenge ahead: "So if you look at the entire pace bowling setup, it's very, very healthy, and each one is unique and different, and thereby, how soon we get them to align with what the team wants and get the best out of them will be the biggest challenge."
IPL 2026 Campaign Opener Against Delhi Capitals
Lucknow Super Giants will commence their IPL 2026 campaign with a home match against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match promises to showcase LSG's revamped pace attack, with Mohammed Shami expected to play a crucial role in the team's bowling strategy.
The reunion between Bharat Arun and Mohammed Shami adds an intriguing dimension to LSG's preparations, combining proven international experience with emerging domestic talent in what appears to be a well-balanced bowling unit ready for the challenges of the upcoming IPL season.
