Former Star Takes on Mentor Role

In advance of the IPL big auction, the Lucknow Super Giants want to name former India speedster Zaheer Khan as their assistant coach.

The 45-year-old left-arm bowler, who was affiliated with the Mumbai Indians, the five-time winners from 2018 to 2022, is making his IPL comeback with this assignment, having been away for the previous two years.

This Wednesday is the official reveal, which will take place at the RPSG Group Headquarters.

“Zaheer has been appointed as team mentor and the unveiling will happen later today,” sources told PTI.

As a result, Zaheer will fill the void created by Gautam Gambhir, who departed the team last year to rejoin the Kolkata Knight Riders, the team he had led to an IPL championship in 2024. Now, Gambhir is the head coach of India.

Zaheer was the director of cricket for the Mumbai Indians before he became the head of global development.

With the departure of South African quick Morne Morkel, who has joined Gambhir’s coaching staff, LSG do not currently have a bowling coach.

It has been discovered that during the off-season, Zaheer will also take part in scouting and player development initiatives.

Zaheer played for the Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League prior to beginning his coaching career.

Zaheer played in 100 games for these sides over a ten-year span, taking 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58.

After leading the Delhi Daredevils in their final IPL game in 2017, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

After Andy Flower was replaced as head coach of LSG prior to the most recent IPL, Justin Langer, an Australian, assumed the role. He will be assisted by Lance Klusener and Adam Voges.