Zaheer Khan's appointment as LSG mentor all but confirmed

Legendary India fast bowler Zaheer Khan is set to become the new mentor of Indian Premier League (IPL) team Lucknow Super Giants. According to the reports, Zaheer is currently in talks with LSG's team management for the role.

Zaheer is currently associated with Mumbai Indians as their global head of cricket development. If Zaheer joins LSG, he will leave his post with Mumbai Indians which he joined in September 2022. Previously, he has also worked as the Director of cricket operations with Mumbai Indians, a role which he joined in 2018.

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Zaheer Khan set to take up a mentor role with LSG

According to a report in Revsportz, Zaheer Khan will have a look at LSG's bowling department while head coach Justin Langer will put more effort into the batting line-up. Lucknow Super Giants have a no. of young fast bowlers in their squad who will benefit with the introduction of Zaheer Khan in the team.

LSG's fast bowling options include young pacers like Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav, Shivam Mavi, and Shamar Joseph. All of these bowlers are hugely talented and have created an impact at least once. Mayank Yadav, in particular, boasts tremendous potential but is injury-prone.

Mayank played just four matches in IPL 2024 and picked up 7 wickets at an average of 12.14. He showed the ability to bowl at over 150 kmph on a regular basis and quickly made headlines for being the fastest bowler of the season.

While Zaheer Khan is close to being appointed as LSG's mentor, it is believed that two other franchises are also interested in bringing Zaheer on board. However, the name of the franchises is not clear yet.

Zaheer has played for three IPL franchises during his playing days - Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).

He played 100 IPL matches overall and picked up 102 wickets at an average of 27.27 and an economy rate of 7.59. He also served as Delhi Daredevils captain for some time.

After hanging up his boots, Zaheer joined Mumbai Indians as their bowling coach in 2017. Since then, the legendary India quick has been associated with Mumbai Indians in various roles.

LSG without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir left

Lucknow Super Giants have been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir's departure before IPL 2024 to Kolkata Knight Riders. Gambhir joined KKR for the IPL 2024 season and played a key role in the team's IPL win.

During his tenure with LSG, Gautam Gambhir was impressive as the team reached the playoffs on both occasions. After taking KKR to their third IPL title, Gambhir joined Team India as their head coach.

While Zaheer Khan is set to be roped in by Lucknow Super Giants, the franchise is yet to decide on KL Rahul's retention. It is not yet clear whether Rahul will be retained in the upcoming mega-auctions or not. If Rahul leaves the team, LSG will have to look out for a new captain.