Zaheer Khan Big Comeback: IPL 2025 Announced Him as LSG Mentor

Published on: August 28, 2024

In a significant development in the world of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, former Indian left-arm fast-bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the new mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This move marks a crucial shift in the team’s strategy as they prepare for the upcoming seasons. The formal announcement took place at the RPSG Group Headquarters in Kolkata, highlighting a new chapter for the franchise.

Zaheer Khan IPL 2025 Announced Him as LSG Mentor

Zaheer Khan, renowned for his exceptional skills in reverse swing and strategic bowling, is making headlines with his transition from a celebrated cricketer to a key mentor. His appointment fills the void left by Gautam Gambhir, who exited the mentor role after the IPL 2023 season. Gambhir’s departure to become the head coach of the Indian national team and his subsequent achievements with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have set a high benchmark for Khan.

The RPSG Group’s Announcement:

The RPSG Group, which owns the Lucknow Super Giants, took to their ‘X’ account to share the exciting news. They stated, “All your anticipation ends here! The King of reverse swing, Indian legend #ZaheerKhan takes charge as the mentor of @LucknowIPL.” This announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans and experts alike, who view Khan’s experience and tactical acumen as invaluable assets for the team.

The Legacy of Zaheer Khan:

Zaheer Khan’s cricketing career is nothing short of illustrious. With a career spanning various prestigious teams, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals, Khan has demonstrated remarkable prowess. His 100 IPL matches yielded 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

In addition to his IPL contributions, Khan was a crucial part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad. His role in the team’s success on the global stage further cements his legacy as one of India’s finest bowlers.

Benefits for Zaheer Khan as a Mentor:

Enhanced Reputation: Being a mentor for a prominent IPL team like LSG enhances Zaheer Khan’s reputation and solidifies his standing as a respected figure in cricket.

Networking and Influence: He gets to work closely with players, coaches, and management, which can strengthen his professional network and open doors for future opportunities in coaching, commentary, or administrative roles.

Financial Gain: Mentorship roles, especially with high-profile teams, can be financially rewarding, providing a substantial income through salary, incentives, or performance-based bonuses.

Continued Engagement with the Game: This role allows Zaheer to stay connected with the sport he loves, sharing his vast experience and contributing to the development of upcoming talent.

Legacy Building: Helping a team succeed and guiding young players allows him to build a lasting legacy beyond his playing career.

Personal Fulfillment: Mentoring can be highly rewarding on a personal level, offering the satisfaction of contributing to the growth and success of young cricketers and the team.

Fee Structure:

The fee for a mentor like Zaheer Khan in the IPL is Rs 5 crore per season.

Experience and reputation: Zaheer Khan will command a high fee as a highly experienced and respected former cricketer. His extensive knowledge and track record could see him command a salary of Rs 5 crore.

Role and responsibilities: The specific terms of his role, including the extent of his involvement and responsibilities, may affect his fee. This includes whether he is employed full-time or part-time, and the nature of his contribution.

Incentives and bonuses: Besides the basic salary, there will also be performance-related incentives or bonuses based on team success and individual player development.

While the exact figures for Zaheer Khan’s fees as a mentor have not been publicly disclosed, they are likely to be significant, reflecting his high profile and his importance to the team.

The Coaching Set-Up at Lucknow Super Giants:

Zaheer Khan’s role at LSG is not limited to mentorship alone. He joins a coaching staff led by Justin Langer as head coach. The support team also includes Lance Klusener and Adam Voges as assistant coaches. However, the position of the bowling coach remains vacant after Morne Morkel’s departure to join the Indian team. Khan’s expertise in bowling is expected to fill this gap effectively.

Zaheer Khan’s Previous Stints and Contributions

Before his appointment with LSG, Zaheer Khan was significantly involved with the Mumbai Indians franchise from 2018 to 2022. He initially served as the director of cricket before taking on the role of head of global development. His tenure with Mumbai Indians was marked by strategic insights and a deep understanding of the game’s nuances, which he is now set to bring to LSG.

During the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons, Khan was also seen as a member of the commentary team for digital broadcasters, further showcasing his depth of knowledge and engagement with the sport.

Lucknow Super Giants, under the ownership of Sanjiv Goenka, have shown promise since their inception. Bought for INR 7090 crore in 2022, the franchise has demonstrated significant potential. Their home ground, the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, has been a fortress for the team.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. LSG reached the playoffs in the IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons but fell short in the eliminator matches both times. In IPL 2024, the team missed a playoff spot due to a negative Net Run Rate (NRR), finishing seventh in the points table.

Conclusion

Zaheer Khan’s appointment as mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. His rich cricketing background, coupled with his previous coaching experiences, positions him as a key figure in shaping LSG’s future. As the team gears up for the next IPL seasons, Khan’s strategic input will be crucial in overcoming past challenges and achieving greater success. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates the impact of his mentorship on the Lucknow Super Giants’ performance in the forthcoming seasons.