MSK Prasad reacts to Zaheer Khan's appointment as LSG Mentor

MSK Prasad, director of talent search and academies for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), opened up about Zaheer Khan's appointment as a mentor for the team.

MSK Prasad said that Zaheer Khan has extensive experience in cricket, describing his inclusion as a 'game-changer' for the team.

On Wednesday, August 28, LSG appointed Zaheer Khan as their new mentor at the RPSG headquarters in Kolkata.

The former Indian pacer will fill the role left by former mentor Gautam Gambhir, who left the team to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

The 45-year-old represented Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Delhi Capitals (DC) in his IPL career.

Khan played 100 IPL matches and took 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58. He served as director of cricket and head of global development with MI from 2018 to 2022.

Very Good News For Lucknow Super Giants - MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad said that Zaheer Khan’s 'wealth of experience' will be valuable for the Lucknow Super Giants.

Prasad highlighted that Khan had a successful career in various formats, including the IPL and international cricket.

"It's very good news for Lucknow Super Giants, that someone of Zaheer Khan's stature has been drafted in as a mentor of the side," Prasad told Sportskeeda.

"He is a very cool, calm customer, and he understands the game much, much better. And he has got a lot of depth and a lot of knowledge. Apart from that, his personal success across all formats, in T20s, both in IPL and with the Indian team, wealth of experience will be of immense help to the franchise," he added.

Zaheer Khan Can Also Be A Very Big Guide - MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad said that Zaheer Khan will be a 'very big guide' for the Lucknow Super Giants' bowling unit. Prasad added that Zaheer will also serve as a bowling coach for the team. He said that Khan's appointment is a good game-changer for the franchise.

"He can also be a very big guide for our bowlers. We've got a wonderful bowling unit. I think now that Morne has moved on, I think Zaheer's knowledge, not only as a mentor but also for our bowling unit will be a big booster. It's wonderful and I am very happy that someone of such wonderful stature has been drafted in. It will be a good game-changer for LSG," Prasad further said.

Khan will join the coaching staff, led by head coach Justin Langer and assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Adam Voges.

LSG has a strong fast-bowling lineup with players such as Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Yash Dubey, alongside international bowlers like Shamar Joseph and Naveen-ul-Haq.

LSG, under the leadership of KL Rahul, failed to make the playoffs for the first time in the IPL 2024 season.

They won seven out of 14 matches in this year's T20 tournament. The franchise owners haven't confirmed whether Rahul will lead the Lucknow-based team in next year's tournament.

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