IPL 2024: Lucknow Supergiants appoint Lance Klusener as assistant coach

Former South African cricketer Lance Klusener has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the assistant coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024. He will collaborate with head coach Justin Langer and assistant coach S Sriram as they aim for the elusive IPL title under KL Rahul's leadership. Notably, he will also oversee Durban Super Giants, the South Africa-based affiliate of the Supergiants franchise in SA20. The ex-all-rounder's appointment adds depth to the coaching staff, fostering hopes for a successful campaign ahead.

Klusener's appointment as the assistant coach for Lucknow marks his return to the IPL, having previously assisted Shaun Pollock at Mumbai Indians (MI). Bringing a wealth of coaching experience from his stints with South Africa and Afghanistan, he has also lent his expertise to Tripura in Indian domestic cricket. His proven track record will add depth to the LSG coaching setup, promising a valuable asset for the team's IPL campaign.

During his tenure at the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Klusener had the chance to collaborate with Lucknow Super Giants' emerging pace bowling sensation, Shamar Joseph. The IPL 2024 journey for Lucknow Super Giants begins against the Rajasthan Royals in the tournament's fourth match. Scheduled for March 24 at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, this encounter promises an exciting start to the season for both teams.

Klusener’s contributions to South African cricket

The Proteas cricketer represented his national team from 1996 to 2004, and featured in 171 ODIs and 49 Tests in his international tenure. Renowned for his stellar performance in the 1999 ODI World Cup, he had amassed 281 runs across nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 140.50. His all-round excellence was evident as he also claimed 17 wickets, earning him the coveted Player of the Tournament accolade for his exceptional contributions.

After retiring from cricket, the 52-year-old ventured into coaching, leveraging his vast experience to mentor teams like Afghanistan. He has also shared his coaching acumen with multiple domestic and T20 league franchises across the globe, contributing significantly to their development and success.

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