In a significant development for the Lucknow Super Giants, former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has stepped into the role of team mentor. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering determination, Khan brings a wealth of experience and a winning attitude to the franchise. He expressed his excitement about this new role, stating that it’s the start of something “very, very special.” The Lucknow Super Giants have had a mixed performance in the IPL since their debut in 2022. They reached the playoffs in their first two seasons under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir as team mentor. However, following Gambhir’s exit, the team faced challenges and finished in a disappointing seventh place this season. Khan acknowledges the team’s youthfulness but emphasizes the strong foundation they have built. “LSG are a relatively young franchise in IPL, but it has not been looked upon like that, the building blocks are pretty much in place,” he said, highlighting the team’s consistency in reaching playoffs, a significant achievement in such a fiercely contested competition. He expressed confidence in contributing to the franchise’s success, stating that he and the team share a similar vision for the future of LSG, including the cricketing values and brand of cricket they aim to play. Khan’s appointment marks his return to the IPL after a two-year hiatus. He previously served as director of cricket and head of global development for the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, from 2018 to 2022. He fills the void left by Gambhir, who rejoined his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, last year and led them to the IPL title before taking over as head coach of the Indian team. Khan’s commitment to the franchise is evident in his willingness to do whatever it takes for success. “The process is something that will be required and which will be my responsibility. I will make sure that the process, that is required for each individual to express themselves fully to bring a lot of victories to the franchise, is in place,” he explained. He plans to closely analyze decision-making to propel the team to the next level, aiming to make this season “special” and the beginning of a new era for LSG. In addition to his role as mentor, Khan will step into the void left by South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who recently joined Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. LSG is currently without a bowling coach, a role Khan is prepared to take on. “Do you need a bowling coach when I’m here? I will do everything that the team needs,” he asserted. Khan’s responsibilities will extend beyond the field during the off-season, as he plans to contribute to scouting and player development programs. He brings a wealth of experience to the table, having represented three IPL franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Daredevils – over 10 seasons. He appeared in 100 matches, claiming 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58. His last appearance in the IPL came in 2017 when he captained the Delhi Daredevils. After that season, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the LSG team, expressed immense confidence in Khan’s ability to lead the team to success. He lauded Khan’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering determination to succeed. “His ability to keep winning, keep having this strong hunger for success is something that attracted me towards getting him as part of the LSG franchise,” Goenka shared. He added that securing Khan’s services was a quick and easy process, driven by his belief in Khan’s potential to achieve great things for the franchise. Goenka also addressed the fitness of pace sensation Mayank Yadav, currently with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), stating that it is not his place to comment on his fitness. He acknowledged Yadav’s hard work and dedication to improvement as a cricketer for both franchise and national team. When asked about retaining Yadav, Goenka emphasized their desire to see all good players contribute to LSG’s success. Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as the team’s head coach last year, will continue in his role, supported by his deputies Lance Klusener and Adam Voges, along with fielding coach Jonty Rhodes. With Khan joining the team, the Lucknow Super Giants are poised for a successful season, driven by a strong leadership team and a shared vision for success.
