Zaheer Khan in Discussions with LSG for Potential Mentor Position

Zaheer Khan is currently in negotiations with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a potential mentor role. If these discussions materialize, Zaheer could step into a prominent position within the northern Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, potentially replacing two key figures.

The Lucknow Super Giants have been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir left for Kolkata in 2023. Additionally, the recent departure of Morne Morkel, who served as the team’s bowling coach for three seasons, has created another significant vacancy. Gambhir and Morkel are both linked with new roles in the Indian national team, with Gambhir already on board and Morkel reportedly close to securing his position.

According to sources within the IPL, Zaheer Khan is being considered to take over the responsibilities previously held by Gambhir and may also provide crucial guidance to the Super Giants’ bowling unit. Zaheer’s role would not only involve mentoring but also acting as a key liaison between the players and the franchise management, which is known for its deep passion for cricket.

Zaheer Khan was also a strong candidate for the bowling coach position under Gambhir’s proposed setup with the Indian team, where his primary focus would have been nurturing the next generation of Indian fast bowlers. Zaheer is highly respected for his ability to mentor young pacers, a trait that was evident even during his playing career when he took several budding fast bowlers under his wing.

However, the opportunity to join the Indian team did not pan out for Zaheer, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), reportedly acting on Gambhir’s recommendation, opted for Morkel instead. Despite this, Zaheer brings a wealth of coaching experience from the IPL, having previously been part of the Mumbai Indians coaching staff.

If Zaheer joins the Lucknow Super Giants, he will work alongside head coach Justin Langer and a robust coaching lineup that includes Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes. There are also rumors that another high-profile coach could join the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise, though details are still emerging.

Zaheer Khan, who is 45 years old, boasts an illustrious playing career that includes 92 Test matches, 200 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 17 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India, as well as 100 IPL games. His IPL career saw him represent teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Mumbai Indians, with his last appearance in the league coming in 2017.

The Lucknow Super Giants, the most expensive team in IPL history, were acquired in 2022 for over a billion dollars (equivalent to Rs 7090 crore at the time). The team reached the top four in its first two seasons but narrowly missed out on a playoff spot last year due to a lower Net Run Rate (NRR).

Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to announce the retention rules for the upcoming season by the end of this month. As reported earlier by Cricbuzz, teams are likely to be permitted up to six retentions, including the Right to Match (RTM) option. Although some franchises have pushed for the elimination of the Big Auction, the BCCI does not plan to discontinue it at this stage.