IPL: Zaheer Khan in talks with LSG for mentor's role
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is reportedly in discussions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a dual coaching role. The Super Giants have been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir's departure after the 2023 season. Gambhir joined Kolkata Knight Riders and later become the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Additionally, Morne Morkel also left his position as bowling coach at LSG at the end of the 2024 season.
Zaheer's potential roles and collaborations at LSG
If negotiations are successful, Zaheer could fill both the mentor and bowling coach roles for LSG in the next IPL season, according to Cricbuzz. He is also expected to act as a key liaison between players and franchise management. This potential appointment would see him working alongside head coach Justin Langer, Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes in the coaching unit.
Zaheer's previous coaching experience and IPL career
Zaheer, who has represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is, was previously considered for the bowling coach position of the Indian cricket team. However, Gambhir recommended Morkel for this role due to their prior collaboration at LSG in 2022 and 2023. Zaheer has also played over 100 IPL matches and had a coaching stint with Mumbai Indians earlier in his career.
Zaheer's stats in IPL
Zaheer, who played until the 2017 IPL season, ended up with 102 wickets from 100 games at an average of 27.27. The former left-arm pacer's economy rate in the tournament reads 7.58, while his tally includes a solitary four-wicket haul. Notably, Zaheer featured in the first-ever IPL match, in the inaugural season (2008), for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against KKR. Later, he also played for Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
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Zaheer was the first-ever bowler to take a wicket in IPL history. The pacer dismissed Sourav Ganguly in the 2008 game. Moreover, he was appointed DC's captain in the 2016 season. He led the Capitals for two seasons (2016 and 2017). He took his 100th IPL wicket in his final season (2017).
