The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced the appointment of former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as the team’s mentor for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This move comes as the franchise continues to build its team for the future, with Zaheer stepping into the role previously held by Gautam Gambhir, who left to mentor the Kolkata Knight Riders, who secured the IPL 2024 title.
In a press conference held in Kolkata, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka discussed the team’s strategy and addressed rumors about captain KL Rahul potentially leaving the franchise. Goenka assured fans that decisions regarding the team are made with careful consideration, especially during a mega auction.
“When you have a mega auction, you are bound to have a reset. But you try and maintain as much of the core as possible,” Goenka explained. He confirmed that coach Justin Langer, along with support staff Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes, will continue with the team. “It is a question of improving and going further from where you are now.”
Goenka also addressed speculation about KL Rahul’s future with LSG, emphasizing the importance of Rahul to the team. “I have been meeting KL on and off regularly over the last three years. I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention [in the media]. He is integral [to LSG]. He has been here since the inception. For me personally and for [my son] Shashwat [Goenka], who is also involved in running LSG, he is like family,” Goenka added.
During the IPL 2024 season, KL Rahul faced some criticism despite finishing among the top 10 run-scorers with 520 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.14.
Zaheer Khan, who played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL, brings extensive experience to the role. He featured in 100 IPL matches, taking 102 wickets with an economy rate of 7.59. Post-retirement, Zaheer contributed to Mumbai Indians as director of cricket and head of global development from 2018 to 2022.
In international cricket, Zaheer is celebrated for his achievements, with 311 Test wickets in 92 matches and 610 wickets across all formats for India. His expertise and leadership are expected to significantly benefit the Lucknow Super Giants as they prepare for the next season of the Indian Premier League.
