Zaheer Khan is likely to replace Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
The Indian fast-bowling legend is in negotiations with the franchise to take up the role after there was a vacant spot since the departure of Gambhir in 2023 and a further vacancy developed after former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel joined Gambhir as Team India’s coaching staff.
Incidentally, Zaheer was also considered for the role of Team India bowling coach but after Morkel’s appointment, it is likely that he will groom the LSG players, including the likes of West Indies rising star Shamar Joseph. He will join a complete coaching setup which is helmed by head coach Justin Langer, and a strong team of coaches, Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes, among others.
The 45-year-old is currently the Global Head of Cricket Development, where he is responsible for player development, building on MI’s robust program around talent identification and grooming and adopting the same across geographies, which has been core to MI’s philosophy and success.
His illustrious career, including 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is, also saw him featuring in 100 IPLs where he served the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Mumbai Indians. He played his last IPL game in 2017.
