The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, is reportedly in negotiations with former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan for the role of mentor. This move comes after the departure of Gautam Gambhir, who left the franchise in 2023 to join the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Zaheer, 45, is a highly respected figure in Indian cricket, having played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for the national team. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills and his ability to mentor young fast bowlers.
If the negotiations are successful, Zaheer will fill the void created by the departures of Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel, who has joined Team India in the same capacity. Sources within the IPL indicate that Zaheer is being considered for the role previously held by Gambhir.
Zaheer was initially considered for the bowling coach position under Gambhir’s new set-up in Team India, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly preferred Morkel on Gambhir’s recommendation.
During his playing career, Zaheer was recognized for his role in mentoring young fast bowlers within the Indian team. If he joins LSG, he will be collaborating with head coach Justin Langer and a robust coaching team, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.
The report also indicates that another notable coach may be added to the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise, though details are not yet clear.
LSG, which came into existence in 2022, reached the play-offs in their first two seasons. However, they missed out on a top-four spot in the 2023 edition due to an inferior Net Run Rate (NRR).
Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to announce the retention rules by the month’s end. Teams are projected to be allowed around six retentions, including the Right to Match (RTM) option. Despite calls from some franchises to discontinue the Big Auction, the BCCI plans to retain it for now.
