Following the end of IPL 2025, speculation has intensified around potential structural changes in franchise managements. Among the teams reportedly planning a reshuffle is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who may part ways with their current mentor, Zaheer Khan. Appointed for the 2024 season, Khan’s contract was only for a year, and the team’s performance under his mentorship has not met expectations. With LSG failing to reach the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, internal discussions are reportedly underway about his future.
Performance Struggles Raise Questions
One of the key factors behind the possible decision is the team’s recent underwhelming results. Despite having a strong lineup on paper, LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025, marking a sharp decline from their earlier seasons.
Captain Rishabh Pant, who was brought in to lead the squad and reinvigorate the side, failed to make a significant impact. Across 12 matches in the season, Pant’s performances were inconsistent, further compounding the franchise’s woes. These setbacks have prompted the management to rethink its leadership structure and mentorship approach ahead of the 2026 season.
No Renewal Yet for Zaheer’s Contract
Zaheer Khan was brought in ahead of IPL 2024 with much anticipation, aiming to provide strategic guidance and mentor young talent. However, with the team not delivering on expectations and no signs of a contract extension from the management, his exit seems increasingly likely. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, mentor Zaheer Khan, and captain Rishabh Pant had all appeared together during the team’s jersey launch before IPL 2024, symbolizing a new era for the franchise.
But with back-to-back disappointing seasons, the optimism surrounding that trio has faded. Although there is no official confirmation yet, reports suggest the franchise may soon announce a new mentor as they aim to bounce back stronger in IPL 2026.
In the dynamic world of the IPL, management decisions often follow closely behind on-field performance, and Zaheer Khan may become the latest high-profile name to face the axe as LSG looks to rebuild.
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