Zaheer Khan in Talks with Lucknow Super Giants for Mentorship Role

Zaheer Khan, former India bowler, is in discussions with Lucknow Super Giants to potentially become their new mentor. The franchise aims to strengthen their coaching setup with his expertise. Khan has previously held pivotal roles at Mumbai Indians and is considered one of cricket's greatest left-arm pacers.

Former India bowler Zaheer Khan is in discussions with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to become their new mentor, reports ESPNcricinfo. The Lucknow-based franchise is keen to bring the former cricketer into their coaching team, and two other franchises have also shown interest in him.

Zaheer Khan previously served as the head of global development at Mumbai Indians (MI) and later became the director of cricket for the franchise from 2018-2022. Following Gautam Gambhir's departure as LSG's mentor, the position has remained vacant. In IPL 2024, Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and led them to their third IPL title as their mentor.

Although there were earlier speculations about Zaheer Khan becoming India's new bowling coach, the role eventually went to former South African pacer Morne Morkel, who joined Gambhir's coaching staff. ESPNcricinfo also reports that LSG plans to offer Zaheer a comprehensive role, including involvement in scouting and player development during the off-season.

Currently, Justin Langer serves as the head coach of LSG, having replaced Andy Flower before IPL 2024. Despite LSG's failure to make the playoffs last season, the franchise believes Zaheer's vast experience will be invaluable. With 311 Test wickets in 92 matches and a total of 610 scalps in 309 international fixtures, Zaheer is revered as one of cricket's greatest left-arm pacers.

Throughout his IPL career, Zaheer represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils, amassing 102 wickets in 100 matches at an economy rate of 7.59. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)