Zaheer Khan in discussion with Lucknow Super Giants for mentor role
Zaheer Khan, the former Indiana Pacer, is in discussion with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) about being appointed for the mentor role.
If the ongoing talks are successful, he may successfully replace two major identities in the Indian Premier League one of which was Gautam Gambir who left the franchise last year in 2023 to be a part of Kolkata Kight Riders and the other one was Morne Morkel who also left the team. Both Gambhir and Morkel, the bowling coach of the side for three seasons, incidentally, have either already joined or are on the verge of joining the Indian national team
LSG faced issues as they were without a mentor since Gambir’s departure, and Morkel’s leaving,
the team is looking for an experienced candidate.
Sources within the IPL suggest that Zaheer is being considered for the role that Gambhir held and could also provide his expertise to the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowlers. He will also be a key interlocutor, rather than a go-between, for players and the management of the franchise, the owner of which is known to be very passionate about the game.
Zaheer’s Career
Zaheer was previously viewed as a potential bowling coach under Gambhir’s new setup in Team India, specifically to mentor the young and upcoming pacers in and around the team – a role for which he is highly regarded. Even during his playing days, Zaheer was known for guiding and mentoring the young fast bowlers in the Indian team.
Zaheer Khan’s potential role with the Indian team did not materialize, as Morkel was preferred by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), unmistakably on the recommendation of Gambhir. But the former India pacer has extensive coaching experience in the IPL, having previously worked with Mumbai Indians.
Zaheer Khan, who has now turned 45 had an amazing career featuring in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20s for India. In the IPL, he played 100 matches like Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. He played his last match in IPL in 2017.
