Kolkata, Aug 28: It's official. Former Team India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has been appointed as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)'s mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
His last assignment with an IPL franchise was Mumbai Indians (MI)'s global head of cricket development. He held that position since September 2022.
After Gautam Gambhir switched on to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 IPL season, LSG has not assigned the mentor's responsibility to anyone. Gambhir was LSG's mentor for two seasons.
The decision of LSG hiring Zaheer was announced by the franchisee owner Sanjiv Goenka in a press meet on Wednesday, here.
Apart from his coaching stints, as a player, Zaheer represented three IPL teams - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians.
Goenka revealed Zaheer shall join the ranks of LSG head coach Justin Langer, who is set to continue his tenure, with Lance Klusener and Adam Voges as his assistants.
However, it was not clear if LSG will retain KL Rahul. Because Goenka had publicly expressed his unhappiness at him on May 8 last year, when LSG lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
But Rahul has recently met Goenka. In the press interaction, Goenka though did not clarify whether Rahul will be with LSG or not, but stated he (Rahul) is an "important and integral part of Supergiants family." Those words certainly indicate Rahul may continue with LSG.
As far as Zaheer is concerned, he was a world-class bowler during his playing days. He proved his mettle at the highest level scalping 311 Test victims in 92 Tests, 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and 17 wickets in as many T20Is.
He was exceptional with his swing, pace, adaptability and sharp bouncers. He claimed former South African opener and captain Graeme Smith on many occasions.
In 2003 ODI World Cup, in partnership with Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath, Zaheer formed India's first potent express-pace attack for India, in which India had a dream-run into the finals. He was for sure, a complete pace bowler of his era.
