Zaheer Khan sacked as LSG mentor as Sanjiv Goenka goes ruthless

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is reportedly set to be sacked by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor ahead of the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

For the second year in a row, the Lucknow-based outfit failed to qualify for the playoffs. Just like the 2024 season, LSG once again lost momentum in the second half of the season and bowed out of IPL 2025 in a disappointing fashion. They finished their campaign in seventh spot with just six wins from 14 games.

The Rishabh Pant-led side was looking destined to make the cut for the playoffs after making a strong start to the season. LSG won four of their first six games before they lost the momentum and managed just two wins from their next eight games.

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LSG likely to part ways with Zaheer Khan:

While Zaheer Khan served as the mentor for LSG, he is facing the heat for the franchise's performance, according to Cricbuzz. The news outlet has claimed that the franchise is set to make a number of changes to the backroom staff, and Zaheer Khan's role is under the scanner.

The India great was roped in by LSG as a mentor before the start of last year's auction. He was given only a one-year contract, and it is highly unlikely to be extended. While head coach Justin Langer's contract is also up for renewal, the report stated that the spotlight is more on Zaheer Khan for the time being.

The reason for it is that Zaheer played a key role in shaping the team's vision and approach this season. He, as well as captain Rishabh Pant, advocated for playing a fearless brand of cricket, but the team failed to live up to the expectations on the field.

Pant himself struggled with the bat throughout the season and failed to lead the side from the front. In 14 games, the southpaw scored 269 run,s including a century and a fifty.

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