Zaheer Khan in talks with Super Giants for mentorship role

Former cricketer Zaheer Khan in talks to mentor Lucknow Super Giants, bringing T20 expertise to coaching setup.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is in contention to assume the mentorship role of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the next season of the Indian Premier League.

The 45-year-old was head of global development at Mumbai Indians (MI) and before that held the position of director of cricket for the franchise from 2018-2022.

As a player, Zaheer has featured in 100 IPL games as part of three franchises — MI, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils — over 10 seasons, claiming 102 wickets at an economy of 7.59.

"Zaheer Khan is in talks with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a mentorship role, with the franchise keen on bringing in a top former India player well-versed in T20 cricket to have a strong presence within their coaching setup following the departure of Gautam Gambhir," a report in ESPNcricinfo said.

"Apart from the role of mentor, LSG are also keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile that will mean involvement with the scouting and player-development programs during the off season."

LSG, under Gambhir's mentorship, had reached the play-offs twice in 2022 and 2023. The former India opener then left for the Kolkata Knight Riders in late 2023 and went on to play a pivotal role in KKR winning the IPL title this year. He then took up the role of India's head coach.

LSG are also without Morne Morkel, who was LSG's bowling coach. The former South African pacer has joined Gambhir's support staff in the India men's team in the same role.