‘We have similar stances on many things when…’: Zaheer Khan after becoming LSG mentor | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has taken on the position of team mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants. He expressed his excitement about this new role, stating, it’s the start of something “very, very special.”
The Lucknow Super Giants have had a mixed performance in the IPL since their debut in 2022. With Gautam Gambhir as their previous team mentor, they managed to reach the playoffs in their first two seasons.However, following Gambhir’s exit, the team faced challenges and ended up in a disappointing seventh place this season.
“LSG are a relatively young franchise in IPL, but it has not been looked upon like that, the building blocks are pretty much in place,” Zaheer said, as quoted by Kolkata, at the media interaction at the RPSG Group Headquarters in Kolkata.

“They have made a lot of progress. The consistency with reaching playoffs, which is so tough in this fiercely-contested competition, is something that gives me a lot of confidence when I’m looking at coming and contributing to the franchise’s success.
“We have similar stances on many things when it comes to cricket, where LSG should go in future, what kind of cricketing values, the brand of cricket the team should look to play.”
The appointment marks the return of the 45-year-old left-arm pacer to the IPL after a two-year hiatus, following his stint with five-time champions Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022.
Zaheer will step into the role left vacant by Gambhir, who rejoined his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, last year and led them to the IPL title before taking over as head coach of the Indian team.

Expectations are high for the former India star, who has expressed his commitment to doing whatever it takes for the franchise.
“The process is something that will be required and which will be my responsibility. I will make sure that the process, that is required for each individual to express themselves fully to bring a lot of victories to the franchise, is in place.
“I will be closely looking at the decision-making for LSG to go to the next level. Hopefully this season is going to be the special one and the beginning of something very, very special for this franchise,” Zaheer added.
At Mumbai Indians, Zaheer held the position of director of cricket before transitioning to head of global development.
Currently, LSG lacks a bowling coach following the departure of South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has joined Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team.
“Do you need a bowling coach when I’m here? I will do everything that the team needs,” Zaheer said.
According to reports, Zaheer will take on additional responsibilities during the off-season, including scouting and contributing to the player development program.
Prior to his coaching career, Zaheer represented three IPL franchises: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Daredevils.
Over 10 seasons, Zaheer appeared in 100 matches for these teams, claiming 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58.
Zaheer’s last appearance in the IPL came in 2017 when he led the Delhi Daredevils as their captain. Following that season, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Zak will do wonders: Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the LSG team, praised Zaheer’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering determination to succeed.
“His ability to keep winning, keep having this strong hunger for success is something that attracted me towards getting him as part of the LSG franchise,” Goenka said.
“A couple of weeks ago, I realised that he was not with not any cricketing franchise, so I called him up, we spoke, we agreed and he is here.
“So, it’s as short and as quick as it gets. We are very excited to have him on board. We do believe he will do wonders for future of LSG,” he added.
Asked about the fitness of pace sensation Mayak Yadav, Goenka said: “He’s with NCA, it’s not for me to comment on his fitness. He is a hardworking guy and wants to improve and become a good cricketer in franchise cricket and for Team India.”
When asked whether they would like to retain Mayank, Goenka said: “Not only Mayank, we hope all good players play for LSG.”
Former Australian opener Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as the team’s head coach last year, will continue in his role, supported by his deputies Lance Klusener and Adam Voges, along with fielding coach Jonty Rhodes.