As per sources, it is alleged that Lucknow Super Giants is likely to increase its support staff significantly for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2025 because it is allegedly negotiating with former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan for his role as their mentor. This is a move from LSG to plug the gap created by Gautam Gambhir who severed ties with the franchise in 2023 to resume his duties at Kolkata Knight Riders. Thus, the inclusion of Zaheer Khan would be seen as strategically aimed at enhancing team performance over the coming times owing to his exceptional cricketing knowledge and vast experience.
Zaheer Khan’s Rise in the IPL Support Staff
Zaheer Khan is one of the best fast bowlers in the history of IPL. He has been associated with the league since 2008 when he was a player for various teams including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils now known as Delhi Capitals. Throughout his career, Zaheer played an astonishing 100 matches and took 102 wickets to become one of its most prolific pace bowlers. He also led the franchise that represented this city during the 2016-17 seasons before announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Post-retirement, he entered the coaching circuit as Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians in 2018. That was when his work helped shape MI’s success story, and he went on to be appointed as the Global Head of Development with the franchise. Assuming that role, Zaheer now heads MI operations in multiple leagues like the SA20, ILT20, and MLC, apart from the IPL.
Now, it seems that Zaheer’s journey with Mumbai Indians may soon be coming to a close as he is now in discussion with Lucknow Super Giants; the management wants him on board as the mentor for the team. If all goes well, Zaheer would be involved not just in mentoring but in scouting and player development programs as well—the latter, of course, taking the role within the franchise to a whole new level.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Strategy for IPL 2025
The Lucknow Super Giants, owned by the RPSG Group, made their foray into the IPL in 2022. Since then, they have been building up to become one of the stronger teams in the fray. With Gautam Gambhir’s exit after the 2023 season, they had been bereft of a mentor, which they are looking forward to filling up with Zaheer Khan’s acumen.
This move chases Zaheer in sync with the broader LSG strategy of having a star-studded support staff. The team, after all, includes names like Justin Langer, Pravin Tambe, Adam Voges, and Lance Klusener among its coaches and mentors. This would add more heft to the team’s tactical bench with Zaheer Khan’s inputs on bowling strategies and nurturing talent.
As such, Zaheer will be expected to get the most out of the skills of the players in LSG, more so the bowlers, with his immense experience as one of India’s finest pacers. His involvement will also be significant in scouting activities, for which LSG is on the lookout to find and nurture young talent that will benefit the team in a long-term capacity.
Impact on Other IPL Franchises
While LSG is close to securing Zaheer Khan’s services, other Tata IPL franchises are making drastic changes in their coaching setups. For instance, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are both looking for new head coaches. Delhi Capitals have parted ways with their head coach Ricky Ponting, who was at the helm since 2018. Punjab Kings are, however, looking for an Indian coach and will replace Trevor Bayliss whose term ended recently.
These developments clearly show a trend for the IPL; franchises want to revamp their support staff to gain a competitive edge. The inclusion of people like Zaheer Khan in key positions brings completely new and fresh perspectives and strategies to the respective teams.
The Way Ahead for Zaheer Khan and LSG
If Zaheer Khan’s appointment as mentor to the LSG is confirmed, this would be a step into a new frontier in his post-playing career. His rich experience as a player and in coaching roles would come in very handy for the Lucknow Super Giants. For LSG, the induction of Zaheer into their setup would not only fill the mentorship void but also further bolster their overall team dynamics ahead of IPL 2025.
As the IPL progresses, the mentors and coaches certainly play a very important role in aligning tournament results. Fans eagerly waiting for cricket match highlights and watching IPL matches online for free can expect the season to be more exciting and grippingly competitive, with strategic additions to team support staff.
FAQs:
1. What role is Zaheer Khan being considered for at Lucknow Super Giants?
Zaheer Khan is negotiating with Lucknow Super Giants for the mentorship role, which would also have him engage in their scouting and player development processes.
2. Why did Gautam Gambhir leave Lucknow Super Giants?
Gautam Gambhir left Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 to return to Kolkata Knight Riders. This leaves vacant the mentor’s role.
3. Which IPL teams are looking for new head coaches?
Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are both looking for new head coaches with the IPL 2025 season a few months away.
4. What role did Zaheer Khan play for the Mumbai Indians?
Zaheer Khan was the Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians and then moved to a further role as Global Head of Development, overlooking the teams of the franchise across all leagues.
5. How can followers get the latest updates on IPL?
On platforms like Winexch, one gets updates regarding the IPL, be it “cricket match highlights” or “watch live cricket for free”.
