Zaheer Khan Likely To Join Lucknow Super Giants After Gautam Gambhir’s Exit Zaheer Khan Likely To Join Lucknow Super Giants After Gautam Gambhir’s Exit
Zaheer Khan Likely To Join Lucknow Super Giants After Gautam Gambhir’s Exit

October 8, 2024

Zaheer Khan Likely To Join Lucknow Super Giants After Gautam Gambhir’s Exit

Zaheer Khan is in discussions to take over as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), potentially replacing Gautam Gambhir, who recently left the team to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their mentor for the IPL 2024 season. Gambhir had been a key figure for LSG, and his departure has left the mentor position unfilled, even with Justin Langer already appointed as the head coach.

Recent reports indicate that LSG and Zaheer Khan are negotiating a possible mentorship role for him. This development follows the exit of Morne Morkel, who served as LSG’s bowling coach and is moving on to become the bowling coach for the Indian national team. Zaheer Khan’s potential appointment is viewed as a major step for LSG, as he could take on both the mentor role and the responsibilities of the bowling coach.

Zaheer Khan, a legendary left-arm pacer for India, is set to bring his extensive experience and strategic insights to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). As a mentor, his role will go beyond just providing advice; he will play a crucial part in guiding the bowlers, sharing tactical expertise, and collaborating closely with the team management and its passionate owner. Zaheer’s dual role as both mentor and potential bowling coach could be vital for shaping the franchise’s future as they strive to improve on their previous IPL performances.

Read More: Rohit Sharma To Leave Mumbai Indians Ahead Of IPL 2025?

Zaheer Khan’s Potential Impact on LSG’s Coaching Ambitions

Interestingly, Zaheer Khan was also a strong candidate for the Indian national team’s bowling coach position, which eventually went to Morne Morkel. His potential move to LSG underscores the franchise’s ambition to enhance their coaching staff with experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the game. Currently, the coaching setup at LSG is led by Justin Langer and includes a talented group of coaches like Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes. Reports indicate that another coach may soon join this impressive lineup, although details about this addition are still unclear.

Before his current discussions with LSG, Zaheer Khan was a vital member of the Mumbai Indians’ coaching staff, serving as the Director of Cricket Operations. In 2022, he was elevated to the position of Global Head of Cricket Development for the franchise, further enhancing his reputation in cricket coaching and management.

Zaheer’s potential appointment at LSG could signal a significant new chapter for the franchise as they aim to utilize his extensive experience to achieve greater success in the IPL. If confirmed, his dual role as both mentor and bowling coach would make him a key figure in shaping the team’s strategy and development. This would help strengthen the connection between players and management, ensuring that the franchise continues to grow and thrive in the highly competitive IPL landscape.

Read More: Lucknow Super Giants Owner Sanjiv Goenka To Make Major Announcement Tomorrow

IPL 2025: Zaheer Khan Likely To Become Mentor Of THIS Franchise Ahead Of New Season

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is in the running to become the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 season, according to reports from PTI. Previously, Zaheer was part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) as the head of global cricket development and served as the director of cricket for the franchise from 2018 to 2022.

As a player, Zaheer Khan participated in 100 IPL matches across three franchises—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils—over ten seasons. During his IPL career, he took 102 wickets with an economy rate of 7.59, showcasing his effectiveness as a bowler in the tournament. His potential appointment at LSG is seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience in both playing and coaching to enhance the team’s performance.

“Zaheer Khan is in talks with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a mentorship role with the franchise keen on bringing in a top former India player well-versed with T20 cricket to have a strong presence within their coaching setup following the departure of Gautam Gambhir,” a report in IP:win365 said.

“Apart from the role of mentor, LSG are also keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile that will mean involvement with the scouting and player-development programmes during the off season.”

Under Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) reached the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. After leaving LSG for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in late 2023, Gambhir played a crucial role in helping KKR secure the IPL title this year. He has since taken on the role of head coach for the Indian national team.

LSG is currently without Morne Morkel, their former bowling coach, who has joined Gambhir’s support staff in the Indian men’s team in the same capacity. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan, who retired from all forms of cricket after the 2017 season, is also being considered by two other franchises looking to recruit him ahead of the IPL mega auction. The retention rules for this auction are expected to be announced by early September.

PBKS looks for Indian coach

The Punjab Kings are actively seeking a replacement for Trevor Bayliss, aiming to hire an Indian head coach for the upcoming season. Reports suggest that the franchise was interested in bringing VVS Laxman on board; however, this is no longer a possibility, as the former India batter has extended his tenure as head of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy. The Punjab Kings will need to explore other options to fill the coaching position.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for IPLWin365 (IPL365 News), she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.