Former India left-arm fast-bowler Zaheer Khan was named mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, at a formal event held at the RPSG Group Headquarters in Kolkata on Wednesday.
"All your anticipation ends here! The King of reverse swing, Indian legend #ZaheerKhan takes charge as the mentor of @LucknowIPL," wrote the RPSG Group, owners of the LSG franchise, on its 'X' account.
Zaheer will replace the mentor slot that's lying vacant since Gautam Gambhir's exit following IPL 2023. Gambhir, on his part, had signed up as Kolkata Knight Riders' mentor earlier this year and mentored them to their third IPL title in Chennai last month. In July, Gambhir signed up as India men's head coach following Rahul Dravid's exit.
The 45-year-old Zaheer joined LSG's coaching set-up comprising Justin Langer as head coach, with Lance Klusener and Adam Voges assistant coaches. The side is still without a bowling coach, following Morne Morkel's departure from the role to take up the same position with the Indian team.
Zaheer, as a player, represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals. He played 100 matches, taking 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58.
In addition, several reports also mentioned that Zaheer, being a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, would also head the franchise's talent development program. However, an official word on the feature is awaited.
Between 2018 and 2022, he had been associated with the Mumbai Indians in the dual role of Director of Cricket and Head of Global Development.
For the 2023 and 2024 seasons of the IPL, the former pacer has been roped in as a part of the commentatory team for the digital broadcasters JioCinema.
The LSG cost Sanjiv Goenka a sum of ₹ 7090 crores in 2022; they now call the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow their home ground. The side reached the playoffs for the IPL editions held in 2022 and 2023 before bowing out of the competition in the eliminator clashes twice.
An adverse net run rate meant that LSG finished seventh in the points table, missing out on a playoff spot in the IPL 2024.
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