Zaheer Khan in Talks with Lucknow Super Giants for Mentorship Role

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is poised to take on a crucial mentorship role with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 45-year-old cricketing stalwart, who previously held positions with the Mumbai Indians as head of global development and director of cricket, is now in discussions with LSG.

LSG to bolster the support staff with Zaheer Khan

As a player, Zaheer featured in 100 IPL games across three franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). His left-arm pace bowling earned him 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59.

LSG aims to bring in a top former India player well-versed in T20 cricket to bolster their coaching setup. Besides mentorship, they plan to involve Zaheer in scouting and player-development programs during the off-season.

LSG, under the mentorship of former India opener Gautam Gambhir, reached the playoffs twice in 2022 and 2023. However, Gambhir left for the Kolkata Knight Riders in late 2023 and played a pivotal role in KKR’s IPL title victory. He has since taken up the role of India’s head coach.

LSG is also without former South African pacer Morne Morkel, who served as their bowling coach. Morkel has joined Gambhir’s support staff in the India men’s team.

Zaheer, who retired from all forms of cricket after the 2017 season, is also on the radar of two other IPL franchises. These teams are keen on bringing him on board ahead of the IPL mega auction, for which retention rules will be announced soon. Zaheer Khan’s potential mentorship role with LSG adds experience and expertise to the team, promising an exciting IPL season ahead.

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