Ex-bowler of India Zaheer Khan has been envisaged as an option for the post of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor. This position has remained unfilled, since Gautam Gambhir left it to team up with his past group Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the framework of 2024 season.
Another resignation from their coaching team struck LSG when Morne Morkel accepted offer from Gambhir, who is now Team India’s bowling coach. According to a report alleged by Cricbuzz, this franchise is looking for someone who can mediate between higher management and players.
When Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was searching for former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey’s successor, Zaheer Khan was one among other names mentioned. Eventually they chose Morne Morkel, as Gambhir had suggested him after other Indian options like R Vinay Kumar and Laxmipathy Balaji were turned down by the board.
Zaheer Khan’s coaching career spans years starting from his brief appointment as a bowling consultant for India in 2017. After that, he spent some time coaching within the Mumbai Indians (MI) family, but in 2022 he became global head of cricket development.
After Gautam Gambhir and Andy Flower stepped down from their positions, LSG’s coaching staff was completely redesigned. The former Australia player and head coach Justin Langer became the head coach of the team with support staffs which included Lance Klusener, Jonty Rhodes, and Adam Voges.
The season was tumultuous for Lucknow who finished again at position seven on the points table however they missed out for the third consecutive year due to an inferior net run rate as it stands with others.
LSG is negotiating to bring in a key candidate to strengthen their coaching staff
The LSG is looking to complete their coaching unit quickly since Gambhir has yet not been replaced and Morne Morkel has left. Reports suggest that the franchise is in talks with a famous person to take Morne Morkel’s place while Zaheer Khan is being locked in for a mentor’s job.
All franchises like LSG are still waiting for the BCCI’s decision on player retention and auction rules after another three-year term came to an end. Some teams have been requesting for more retentions and right-to-match clauses while others wanted the status quo.
Recently, franchise owners held a meeting with the BCCI where those opinions were expressed. The governing body will come up to a conclusion and will make an announcement towards the end of this month.
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