Zaheer Khan poised to succeed Gautam Gambhir as mentor of Lucknow Super Giants

Former India National Cricket Team fast bowler Zaheer Khan is all set to be the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that the 2011 World Cup winner is in negotiations with the franchise ahead of the next edition of the league.

Lucknow Super Giants has been without a mentor since the last season. This comes after Gautam Gambhir left the franchise and joined Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2024. Apart from this, Morne Morkel, who was the bowling coach, won't be there as well, as he is all set to be roped in by the Indian team.

The reports claimed that Zaheer Khan will serve as a mentor but will also be providing assistance to bowlers. The former India fast bowler will be a key interlocutor rather than a go-between for players and the management of the franchise.

Zaheer Khan was also in talks with the Indian team to become the bowling coach after Gautam Gambhir joined the team as head coach. However, the deal didn't mature as the Board of Control for Cricket in India preferred Morne Morkel on the recommendation of Gambhir.

Zaheer Khan, who was known for guiding and mentoring the young fast bowlers in the Indian team during his playing days, has a decent amount of coaching experience. He has worked with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) previously and has had a decent amount of success.

Zaheer Khan to join Justin Langer in the Indian Premier League at Lucknow Super Giants

Zaheer Khan will be joining hands with head coach Justin Langer in the Indian Premier League. Apart from him, there will be the likes of Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, Jonty Rhodes and others on the coaching staff. The reports also claimed that the franchise is also in talks with another coach.

Zaheer was a master of fast bowling during his playing days. He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India along with 100 IPL games. In the league, he represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Mumbai Indians. He played his last IPL game in 2017 amd also captained Delhi franchise in the league.

Lucknow Super Giants got an entry into the league in 2022. They were brought for over a billion dollars (Rs 7090 crore at the exchange rate of that time) and have been one of the consistent performers. They reached back-to-back playoffs in the first two seasons before finishing 5th on the table in the last edition of the league.

Zaheer Khan would be hoping to bring success to Lucknow Super Giants in the next edition. His experience will be a great addition to the franchise camp. With young pacers in the team, including Mayank Yadav, it will be a huge boost for the team as well as all the young guns in the team.