Lucknow Super Giants Set to Appoint Zaheer Khan as Mentor Ahead of IPL Mega Auction
Kolkata: The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are poised to announce the appointment of former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new mentor, a move that signifies the start of an exciting phase for the team. This development marks Zaheer Khan’s return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a two-year hiatus. The 45-year-old left-arm pacer, who previously played a significant role with the Mumbai Indians, will be unveiled at the RPSG Group Headquarters on Wednesday.
Zaheer Khan’s tenure with the Mumbai Indians spanned from 2018 to 2022, where he initially served as the Director of Cricket and later as the Head of Global Development. His contribution was instrumental in the team’s success during this period, contributing to their five IPL titles.
The decision to bring Zaheer Khan on board comes in the wake of Gautam Gambhir’s departure from the LSG mentor role. Gambhir, who led the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024, has now taken on the role of Indian head coach. Zaheer Khan will step into the void left by Gambhir, adding his extensive expertise and strategic acumen to the LSG’s setup.
LSG currently lacks a dedicated bowling coach following the departure of South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has joined Gambhir’s coaching staff. Zaheer Khan is expected to fill this gap and will also play a crucial role in scouting and player development during the off-season. His involvement in these areas is anticipated to enhance the team’s competitive edge as they prepare for the upcoming IPL season.
Before transitioning into coaching, Zaheer Khan had a distinguished IPL career, representing three teams—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils. Over his 10-season IPL career, he played 100 matches, taking 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58. His final appearance came in 2017 when he captained the Delhi Daredevils before retiring from all forms of cricket.
Under the guidance of Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as head coach before the last IPL season, the LSG team will continue with Langer’s deputies—Lance Klusener and Adam Voges—alongside the new mentorship of Zaheer Khan. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the Lucknow Super Giants, with their strategic team-building efforts well underway.
