LSG fielding coach Jonty Rhodes breaks silence on Zaheer Khan joining the franchise as a mentor

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes recently shared his thoughts on Zaheer Khan's appointment as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor. Jonty Rhodes said that Zaheer Khan's presence will benefit the Lucknow Super Giants, especially with his calm demeanor during team meetings.

Zaheer Khan was officially appointed as the mentor of the Super Giants during an event at the RPSG Group Headquarters in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Zaheer will be taking over the mentor role held by Gautam Gambhir, who left LSG after the IPL 2023 to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The former Indian pacer has joined the Lucknow Super Giants' coaching staff, featuring Justin Langer as head coach and Lance Klusener and Adam Voges as assistant coaches.

LSG is currently without a bowling coach following Morne Morkel left to take on the same role with the Indian cricket team.

Zaheer Khan Will Bring The Calmness In The Team - Jonty Rhodes

Jonty Rhodes said that Zaheer Khan will have a positive impact on the Lucknow Super Giants. Rhodes added that Zaheer's calm demeanor will be beneficial during crucial team and selection meetings, as well as interactions with franchise owners.

"Zaheer Khan will definitely bring the calmness in the team. Having someone like Zak (Zaheer Khan) around will be of great help for the franchise," Rhodes told IANS.

"The team meetings, selections meetings, franchise meetings with owners you need a calm head because the tournament goes up and down as per results, you need that support and consistency. Fortunately, we had that support earlier too, on and off the field but we need to continue that," he added.

IANS Exclusive

'Aram se aram se...Zak is calm', former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes share his thoughts on Zaheer Khan joining LSG pic.twitter.com/VteH7Rglgv

— IANS (@ians_india) August 31, 2024

The Super Giants have a strong fast-bowling lineup with domestic talents and international bowlers.

Zaheer Khan previously served as the director of cricket at the Mumbai Indians (MI). He also played for the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Daredevils during his IPL career.

Team Is No Longer A Brand New Franchise - Jonty Rhodes

Jonty Rhodes said that there is added pressure on the Lucknow Super Giants to perform after playing three seasons.

Rhodes said that Zaheer Khan's calmness will be very important for the franchise's success in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

"Team is no longer a brand new franchise it has been around for three years now, so obviously the pressure is there to perform," Rhodes further added.

"We need to achieve what we plan, to reach playoffs, we haven't reached the final yet, so with Zak and his calmness I think it will be very important for the franchise also with the technique and bowling experience that he carries will benefit the franchise."

The Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh in the points table during the IPL 2024 season.

They secured seven wins and seven losses from 14 matches and missed out on a playoff spot despite having the same number of points as the fourth-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

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