Zaheer Khan set to join LSG; Gambhir's vacated mentor role or Morkel's bowling coach position to be filled?

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan is all set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, the legendary left-arm pacer will fill the void left by Gautam Gambhir in the mentorship role.   

The 45-year-old worked with five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2018 to 2022 as Director of Cricket and then Head of Global Development. Coming back to the IPL after a gap of two years, Zaheer will have to take on a new role at LSG.

Gambhir was the mentor of the Lucknow-based franchise for two years from the inaugural season in 2022. Ahead of the 2024 IPL, he joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the same capacity and guided Shreyas Iyer and Co. to their third IPL title.

During Gambhir's tenure, LSG reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. However, they finished seventh in the points table last season. Zaheer has a huge responsibility to regroup the boys and inject spirit once again to fight for their maiden title.

Also Read: KL Rahul likely to be retained by LSG, but captaincy under threat as two big names in race: Report

Zaheer may take up roles of both mentor and bowling coach 

Meanwhile, reports say that LSG is yet to finalize the role of the 2011 World Cup hero. LSG are also without a bowling coach as former South African pacer Morne Morkel left the franchise to join Indian team head coach Gambhir's coaching staff. Not sure if LSG will give Zaheer both responsibilities.

As a player, Zaheer was a part of four IPL teams - MI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals (DC). The Maharastra-born pacer has played 100 matches for three teams across ten seasons and has taken 102 wickets at an economy of 7.58 and an average of 27.27. He last played in the tournament in 2017 when he led Delhi Daredevils (DC), before retiring from all forms of cricket.