Zaheer Khan in Discussion for the Role of Mentor of Lucknow Super Giants
As per ESPN cricinfo, former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan is discussing with Lucknow Super Giants over the role of mentor. It could be one of the measures to tighten up coaching and mentoring teams as the next edition of the IPL inches closer. Zaheer Khan is one of the all-time great left-arm fast bowlers. He was previously the head of global cricket development with the Mumbai Indians and then the director of cricket from 2018 until 2022. Hence, his career experience and success rate would surely help a team enormously.
Current Position and Potential Role
The position of mentor at LSG fell vacant after the exit of Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir was one of the most influential figures during the early days of success for LSG and has taken up a new role as mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he helped seal their third IPL title. Ever since the exit of Gambhir, LSG has been trying to find someone to fill the void of mentorship, and Zaheer Khan has been foremost in the list.
Reports suggest that LSG is not only eyeing Zaheer for the mentor’s role but is looking at a more comprehensive contribution towards the franchise. That may include involvement in scouting and player development programs during off-seasons, thereby offering a more comprehensive contribution towards the team’s growth and success.
Zaheer Khan’s Previous Roles and Achievements
Zaheer Khan’s credentials as a cricketer are impeccable. He took 311 wickets in 92 Tests and had a combined 610 international wickets, making him amongst the best left-arm pacers to have played the game. Amongst his other career highlights include stints with all major IPL franchises – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils.
Zaheer played 100 matches in the IPL, bagging 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. While teams often banked on his valuable strategic inputs and experience on the field, his contributions were genuinely incisive in different capacities.
Past Coaching/Mentoring Roles
Before the potential appointment with LSG, Zaheer was in contention for the position of India’s new bowling coach. The role eventually went to former South African pacer Morne Morkel, who joined Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff. Zaheer’s exclusion from this role did not harm his standing in the cricketing community; rather, he has an experience base that is highly looked out for.
Under Zaheer’s leadership, Mumbai Indians had been very successful; he was the head of global development and fostered many young talents therein. His ability to manage and strategize at the highest level was testified further while being the director of cricket.
Current Coaching Staff at LSG
Presently, Justin Langer is the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants; he replaced Andy Flower. It was an appointment made after a season in which LSG failed to make it to the playoffs. Addition of Zaheer Khan will give that extra edge to the franchise as now strategies can be ensued under Langer with expertise in mentoring in the form of Zaheer.
It not only guides the players but also assists in strategic planning and development for the team’s future. His potential involvement could help in leveraging his vast experience and understanding of the game in significantly raising the chances of LSG in the next season of the IPL.
Implications for LSG and the IPL
LSG would strategically decide to add Zaheer Khan to the coaching team in order to revamp the entire franchise and bring an improvement in terms of performance during the IPL. His contribution, with such vast experience and success at the domestic and international levels, could turn out to be really vital for shaping the future of LSG.
For Zaheer Khan, it is a chance to continue being associated with a sport he loves, this time from the mentoring and strategic perspective. His past experiences and lessons learned will be priceless in mentoring the players and staff of LSG to help the franchise achieve its goals in competitive IPL.
With discussions ongoing, all eyes are on this possible role to be firmed out; it is one that might be a landmark change for both Zaheer Khan and the Lucknow Super Giants.
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