Huge fallout at LSG led to Zaheer Khan’s exit!! Shocking details revealed after Kane Williamson’s entry
Published - 17 Oct 2025, 02:09 PM | Updated - 17 Oct 2025, 11:35 PM
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Zaheer Khan left his position as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor after only one year in the role, and the reason was the head coach, Justin Langer, and Rishabh Pant. After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, behind-the-scenes drama began between Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer.
Tensions within the LSG team escalated in the IPL 2025 over Rishabh Pant’s batting position. Langer wanted Pant to bat in the top three, believing his aggressive style could dominate the innings after putting so much money on the Indian wicketkeeper.
Zaheer Khan quits LSG after disagreements over Rishabh Pant’s batting spot
The LSG head coach wanted the left-handed batter to “go up and play more.” However, Zaheer was adamant that Nicholas Pooran deserved the No. 3 spot, arguing that the West Indies hard-hitter’s consistency made him the better choice than Pant at this position.
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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain was offered the option to bat higher or lower, and he chose to bat down the order, but this reportedly affected his rhythm and confidence. After which, Pooran himself even offered to move down the order, but Zaheer refused to compromise.
The mentor was adamant that Pooran would win the title batting at number three. Sources suggest that this drama directly impacted Pant’s form and created tension between him and the team management. Langer was clear with the team’s expectations from Pant.
Look this video
— HARSHIT 🕷 (@I_am_Harshit_17) October 16, 2025
Justin langer and Zaheer Khan was not on same page.. https://t.co/LHSkug2R4o pic.twitter.com/8tUCf1sHww
Zaheer Khan denies revised role with Lucknow Super Giants
The LSG coach believed Pant would be more effective at No. 3, and that’s where all the disagreements began. Midway through the season, the management agreed to promote Pant and Ayush Badoni up the order while using Pooran as a finisher, and this move was opposed by Zaheer, even at that time when the team was struggling to win matches last season.
In the season review, Langer’s strategy won over the LSG team management and owners, while Zaheer’s arguments fell short. The former Indian fast bowler was offered a revised role, but he declined, leading to his exit from the IPL side.
Lack of coordination and communication between Langer and Zaheer played a key role in a decline in the team's performance in the IPL 2025, where they won just one of their last six matches and finished seventh in the points table after a strong start.
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Kane Williamson joins LSG as Strategic Advisor ahead of IPL 2026
In a surprising development, New Zealand star Kane Williamson has joined Lucknow Super Giants as the strategic advisor. However, he won’t feature in matches and will primarily be around the team. It is being said that the LSG captain, Pant, was likely kept in the loop about Williamson’s signing.
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain brings immense experience, leadership, and cricketing intelligence to the squad. Williamson has previously proven his ability to guide teams, leading New Zealand across formats and even stepping up as SRH captain during David Warner’s absence.
His presence around Lucknow Super Giants could provide stability and mentorship for the players, offering guidance both on and off the field.
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