Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan is believed to be in talks with IPL franchise LSG for the mentor role. The Super Giants had no mentor after Gautam Gambhir left for Kolkata in the 2023 season.
With Morne Morkel joining as India’s bowling coach, a new vacancy has opened in the coaching setup. On this occasion, sources within IPL suggest that Zaheer is being considered for the role who could also provide his expertise to LSG bowlers.
He could act as a bridge between the players and the owner of the franchise. Zaheer was considered as a potential bowling coach under Gambhir’s new setup in Team India whose experience could mentor developing and upcoming pacers in and around the team.
Even during his playing career, he used to guide and mentor the young fast bowlers in the Indian team. However, BCCI preferred Morne Morkel as the bowling coach on the recommendation of Gambhir.
In LSG, Zaheer will be collaborating with head coach Justin Langer and a team of coaches including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.
Zaheer Khan has played 92 tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India and has also featured in 100 IPL games where he represented Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. His last IPL game come from the year 2017.
LSG the most expensive team in the IPL was bought by Goenka in 2022 for INR 7090 crores as an exchange at that time. They reached the playoffs in their first two seasons before losing the playoff spot in IPL 2024 due to a low net run rate.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes are on LSG to see how they would choose their mentor and bowling coach.
Meanwhile, the BCCI is set to announce the retention rules by the end of this month. According to reports, teams are expected to be allowed around 6 retentions, including the RTM option.
