Zaheer Khan Emerges as Leading Candidate for Lucknow Super Giants’ Mentor Role Amidst Coaching Overhaul

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has reportedly become a strong contender to take on the role of mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) heading into the IPL 2025 Season. The position has been vacant since Gautam Gambhir’s departure earlier this year, as he rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his former franchise, to take up a leadership role there.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the franchise is searching for a figure who can act as a bridge between the players and the higher-ups, a role that Zaheer could fulfill with his extensive experience in both playing and mentoring capacities.

Zaheer Khan’s name is not new in coaching circles. He has a rich history of working with teams at the highest level. His coaching career began with a stint as a bowling consultant for the Indian national team in 2017. However, his most notable coaching contributions came during his time with the Mumbai Indians (MI). Under his guidance, MI developed one of the most formidable bowling units in the IPL, contributing significantly to their continued success.

In 2022, Zaheer was elevated to the role of global head of cricket development at MI, highlighting the franchise’s trust in his strategic insights and leadership qualities. This experience, combined with his deep understanding of the game, makes him an ideal candidate for the mentor role at LSG.

The potential appointment of Zaheer comes at a time of significant transition for the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise endured a turbulent 2024 season, finishing seventh on the points table and missing out on the playoffs due to an inferior net run-rate. The disappointing season led to a reshuffling of the coaching staff, with head coach Andy Flower and mentor Gautam Gambhir both departing.

In response, LSG brought in former Australia head coach Justin Langer to steer the ship. Langer is supported by a team of well-regarded coaches, including Lance Klusener, Jonty Rhodes, and Adam Voges. Despite these changes, the loss of Gambhir and the recent departure of Morne Morkel, who left to become Team India’s bowling coach under Gambhir’s regime, left gaps in the coaching setup that the franchise is keen to address before the 2025 season.

As the franchise prepares for the upcoming season and the crucial 2025 mega auction, solidifying their coaching unit is a top priority. With Zaheer Khan reportedly being finalized for the mentor role, LSG is also in advanced talks to bring in a prominent figure to replace Morne Morkel as the bowling coach. These moves are aimed at ensuring that the team is well-prepared both strategically and tactically for the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, like other IPL franchises, LSG is awaiting the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision on player retention and auction rules. With the conclusion of another three-year cycle, there has been a mix of opinions among franchise owners regarding the retention policies and right-to-match options. A section of franchises is pushing for additional retentions and the continuation of the right-to-match option, while others prefer the existing rules.

The BCCI is expected to announce its decision by the end of the month, which will have significant implications for how teams, including LSG, approach the upcoming auction and squad formations.