Kolkata : Indian Legendary pacer Zaheer Khan has joined Lucknow Super Giants as mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who’s now the Indian Men’s Cricket team head coach.
Zaheer will join the likes of Head Coach Justin Langer, Launce Klusener, Adam Voges, Jonty Rhodes.
While unveiling the LSG mentor in RPSG office, owner Sanjeev Goenka said, “He (Zaheer Khan) is strategically strong. He has got respect amongst the community without doubt. And his mind is clear”.
Last year, LSG, without their mentor Gambhir, finished at number 7 & failed to qualify in IPL Playoffs. Goenka stated that due to this year’s poor team performance, Zaheer is roped in as the mentor.
“We didn’t have a great performance. So I mean, I’m not making bones about the fact that we ‘almost’ made it. You’re either there or not there. So this isn’t good enough”, he added.
Zaheer Khan might serve as both mentor and a bowling coach as the position is left vacant after Morne Morkel joined Indian team as the bowling coach.
The Indian pacer was involved with Mumbai Indians (2018-22), winning 2 titles (2019, 20). Then he turned to the role of Head of Global Development.
Zaheer Khan has been a sensation for Indian team for years , picking 610 wickets across all formats in 309 matches.
He was a vital part of India’s ICC World Cup 2011 win, and was the joint highest wicket taker of the tournament along with Shahid Afridi.
The pacer also played important role in India’s win in Asia Cup 2010 & joint winner of Champions Trophy 2002.
In IPL, he served Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and picked up 102 wickets. He retired from all forms of Cricket in 2017 , after playing IPL 2017 for Delhi Capitals.
Inclusion of Zaheer in the LSG lineup will help them groom young talents. He has coaching experience for Mumbai Indians and also talent grooming experience over the years serving the Nation.
