In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have appointed former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new mentor. The announcement was made during a press conference in Kolkata on August 28, where the franchise introduced Zaheer, who brings with him a wealth of experience both as a player and as a cricket administrator.
Zaheer, a left-arm pace legend with over 600 wickets in his international career, steps into a role previously held by Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, who played a crucial part in LSG’s early success by guiding them to the playoffs in their first two seasons, left the team last year to take on the mentorship of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title, adding another feather to his illustrious cap. Meanwhile, LSG struggled in the 2024 season, missing out on a playoff spot, which likely influenced their decision to bring in a seasoned mentor like Zaheer.
Zaheer Khan’s Journey from Player to Mentor
Zaheer Khan is no stranger to the IPL. His cricketing journey in the league saw him don the jerseys of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Mumbai Indians (MI). Over the course of his IPL career, Zaheer played 100 matches, claiming 102 wickets. His last IPL appearance was in 2017 as the captain of the Delhi Daredevils, after which he transitioned into various roles off the field.
Following his retirement from active play, Zaheer remained closely associated with the IPL, particularly with Mumbai Indians. He initially served as the Director of Cricket Operations at MI, where his strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in the team’s continued success. In 2022, he was promoted to Global Head of Development, overseeing talent identification and nurturing across MI’s global ventures.
Why LSG Chose Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan’s appointment as LSG’s mentor signals the franchise’s intent to strengthen their team dynamics and build a robust cricketing culture. Known for his tactical acumen and deep understanding of the game, Zaheer is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping LSG’s strategies and guiding their players through the pressures of IPL.
The mentorship position at LSG had been vacant since Gambhir’s departure, and Zaheer’s entry comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. The team, which includes head coach Justin Langer and assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Adam Voges, will benefit from Zaheer’s experience in handling both domestic and international cricket challenges.
LSG’s Vision for IPL 2025
With the inclusion of Zaheer Khan, Lucknow Super Giants are clearly looking to make a strong comeback after a disappointing 2024 season. The team’s decision to bring in a mentor with Zaheer’s credentials highlights their commitment to not just making the playoffs but aiming for the IPL title.
Zaheer’s history of success, both as a player and in various leadership roles, aligns with LSG’s vision of building a championship-winning team. His ability to mentor young fast bowlers, coupled with his strategic input, could prove to be the X-factor that LSG needs to turn their fortunes around.
A New Chapter Begins
As LSG gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how Zaheer Khan’s mentorship influences the team’s performance. His vast experience, combined with the existing coaching staff’s expertise, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. The fans and the cricketing fraternity will be eager to see how Zaheer, a proven match-winner, transfers his on-field success into off-field strategies to help Lucknow Super Giants achieve their IPL dreams.
