Lucknow Super Giants in talks with Gautam Gambhir's ODI World Cup 2011-winning teammate for mentor role ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction: Report

India's ODI World Cup 2011-winning fast bowler Zaheer Khan is in talks with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise for the mentor role ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mega auction.
 

The mentor spot was left vacant by LSG in the previous season since Gautam Gambhir left to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). LSG are also missing a bowling coach as Morne Morkel has left the franchise to join Gambhir's coaching staff for India men's cricket team.
 

As per a report by Cricbuzz, Zaheer is expected to be the bridge between the players and the management of the franchise which is three seasons old.
 

Earlier, Zaheer was one of the frontrunners to join Gambhir's coaching staff. However, Morkel was finalised for the role as the former South Africa pacer was recommended by Gambhir. 
 

Zaheer will join the staff which is led by head coach Justin Langer. The coaching staff also includes Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, Jonty Rhodes and others. So far, it is not clear whether Langer will retain his position or not. 
 

Zaheer has had experience in the coaching department. He was involved with his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) and worked with their fast bowlers. 
 

Zaheer’s IPL record

Zaheer has played 100 IPL games and taken 102 wickets at an average of 27.27. His economy rate was 7.59 runs per over. He has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and MI. His last IPL appearance was against RCB in IPL 2017 where he bagged one wicket as captain.

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Change expected in leadership

Meanwhile, LSG are unlikely to retain KL Rahul as their captain. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had a heated exchange with Rahul post their humiliating defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Even though Goenka invited Rahul for dinner, their failure to reach the playoffs did not impress the owner.

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This was the first time LSG failed to make it to the playoffs. Rahul has led LSG in 37 games out which the team has won 20. Last season, Nicholas Pooran captained the side in one game when Rahul was unfit. In IPL 2023, Krunal Pandya led LSG in Rahul's absence.
 

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