The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, have reportedly approached former India cricketer Zaheer Khan to join their coaching staff in a dual role. Over their three years in the IPL, LSG has reached the playoffs twice but has been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir left to rejoin Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, where he holds a similar position.
Gambhir, who is also the current head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, was instrumental in LSG’s early success. Additionally, LSG’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, exited after the 2024 season to join Gambhir’s support staff with the Indian team in the same capacity.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, if LSG finalizes the deal with Zaheer Khan, he is expected to take on the roles of both mentor and bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. The report also mentions that Zaheer will serve as a crucial intermediary between the players and the franchise management. In this capacity, he would collaborate with head coach Justin Langer and other key figures in the coaching unit, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.
Zaheer Khan was previously considered for the role of bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. However, Gautam Gambhir advocated for Morne Morkel to be appointed to the position, given their successful partnership at LSG during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. For Zaheer Khan, a 2011 World Cup champion with 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, 17 T20Is, and 100 IPL matches under his belt, this would be his second coaching role in the IPL, following his earlier stint with the Mumbai Indians.
Zaheer Khan’s cricketing journey is a testament to his value in Indian cricket. At a time when India struggled to find top-tier fast bowlers as Javagal Srinath neared retirement, Zaheer emerged as a remarkable talent. Renowned for his lethal new-ball bowling, especially against left-handers, and his mastery of reverse swing with both the old and new white ball, Zaheer established himself as a formidable Test bowler and a World Cup hero.
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Zaheer made a memorable debut during the ICC Knockout Cup in 2000, famously yorking Steve Waugh with his pace. He, along with Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath, formed a potent pace attack for India during the 2003 World Cup. Zaheer’s standout performance in the 2011 World Cup, where he was among the top wicket-takers with 21 wickets, played a crucial role in India’s victorious campaign.
In the IPL, Zaheer started his career with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, spent two seasons with Mumbai Indians, then rejoined Bangalore in 2011. He returned to Mumbai Indians for the 2014 season after previous stints in 2009 and 2010, before being signed by the Delhi Daredevils for the 2015 season.