According to a report by Cricbuzz on Monday, the Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants is in talks with pace great Zaheer Khan for the mentor role.
This franchise has had no mentor since Gambhir went back to Kolkata in 2023; now even bowling coach Morne Morkel has left for Team India’s bowling coach position in Lucknow.
Should negotiations between Lucknow and Zaheer bear fruits, this will mean that the 45 year old will fill up the vacuum created by both Morkel’s and Gambhir’s departure.
According to Cricbuzz, IPL insiders indicate that Zaheer is seen as a possible replacement for Gautam Gambhir.
At one point then, he was considered as an ideal candidate for Gambhir’s new setup at Team India taking up the mantle of the team’s bowling coach, more so in relation to mentoring new young fast bowlers
According to BCCI authorities, it was not possible for them to appoint Zaheer as their main man because they had already preferred Morkel instead of him (Zaheer) based on recommendation by Gambhir.
Therefore, through his playing years. He became known for nurturing some of India’s younger pacemen.
If LSG can convince Zaheer then he would be joining a strong coaching staff which includes Justin Langer as head coach alongside Adam Voges,Lance Klusener or Jonty Rhodes among others.
Another well-known addition to Sanjiv Goenka-owned team was also highlighted though details were sketchy about it.
LSG acquired for Rs 7090 crore in 2022 made playoffs in their first two seasons but missed out on a top four finish during the 2023 edition due to low NRRs than those ahead of them.
Cricbuzz said in its report that BCCI is expected to announce retention rules before this month ends. The teams are expected to be allowed about six retentions which include the Right to Match (RTM) rule. While some IPL franchises have called for the discontinuation of Big Auction, BCCI will retain it for now.
