Zaheer Khan's Calm Demeanor to Boost Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jonty Rhodes

Zaheer Khan’s Calm Demeanor to Boost Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jonty Rhodes

Zaheer Khan’s Calm Demeanor to Benefit Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jonty Rhodes

Former South African cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has expressed his belief that Zaheer Khan’s appointment as the franchise’s mentor will significantly benefit the team. Rhodes highlighted Khan’s calm demeanor and experience as key assets that will enhance the team’s performance.

“Zaheer Khan will definitely bring the calmness in the team,” Rhodes said. “Having someone like Zak around will be of great help for the franchise. The team meetings, selections meetings, franchise meetings with owners, you need a calm head because the tournament goes up and down as per results. You need that support and consistency.”

Rhodes emphasized the importance of Khan’s presence in maintaining a stable environment within the team, especially during challenging times. “The team is no longer a brand new franchise; it has been around for three years now, so obviously the pressure is there to perform,” he said. “We need to achieve what we plan, to reach the playoffs. We haven’t reached the final yet, so with Zak and his calmness, I think it will be very important for the franchise.”

Khan’s technical expertise and bowling experience will also be invaluable to the team, according to Rhodes. “With the technique and bowling experience that he carries, he will benefit the franchise,” he said.

Khan joins LSG’s coaching staff, which includes Justin Langer as head coach, along with assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Adam Voges. The team is currently without a bowling coach after Morne Morkel left the role to take up the same position with the Indian team.

In the IPL 2024 season, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the points table with seven wins and seven losses. The team will be hoping to improve its performance in the upcoming season with the guidance of Khan and the rest of the coaching staff.

Lucknow Super Giants Appoint Zaheer Khan as Mentor, Aiming for IPL Title

Lucknow Super Giants Appoint Zaheer Khan as Mentor, Aiming for IPL Title

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a renewed determination to capture the coveted title. The team has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of legendary pacer Zaheer Khan as a mentor.

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasized the importance of having an Indian mind in the support staff to maximize the potential of the players. He believes that Zaheer’s unwavering desire to win and his experience as a player will be invaluable assets to the team.

Goenka expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in the previous season, citing a lack of experienced decision-making. He believes that Zaheer’s role will be crucial in addressing this issue and guiding the team towards success.

Goenka also highlighted the importance of experience in the team, drawing lessons from the Rising Pune Supergiants’ journey to the IPL final in 2017. He believes that the team’s lack of experience at the time ultimately cost them the title.

With Zaheer’s addition to the support staff, LSG aims to create a balanced team with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team is confident that these changes will propel them towards their ultimate goal of winning the IPL championship.

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My 'Guru' and the Architect of My Dreams

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My ‘Guru’ and the Architect of My Dreams

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My ‘Guru’ and the Architect of My Dreams

Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has expressed his profound admiration for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, describing him as his “guru” and sharing anecdotes that illuminate their exceptional bond.

In a candid conversation with Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel, who made his ODI debut in the 2018 Asia Cup, recalled a cherished moment when Dhoni, captaining the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence, entrusted him with bowling the first over against Afghanistan.

“Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru,” Khaleel emphasized, revealing a deep respect that transcends typical teammate dynamics. He explained how this gesture fulfilled a childhood dream, inspired by watching his idol Zaheer Khan open the bowling for India.

“Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi bhai asked me to bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time he might change his mind,” Khaleel confessed, stressing the significance of the moment and the immense trust Dhoni placed in him.

Khaleel also shared the story behind a viral photo of him receiving flowers from Dhoni. The incident took place during India’s tour of New Zealand, where Dhoni gifted him flowers he had received from fans.

“We were in New Zealand, Mahi bhai’s fans had given him flowers, he passed it onto me and some fans took a photo, it was quite memorable for me,” the pacer added.

Dhoni, who last played in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings, continues to be revered for his leadership qualities and his ability to nurture talent. While his future in IPL remains uncertain, his legacy as a captain and mentor continues to inspire a generation of cricketers.

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