Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joined LSG ahead of the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League. Zaheer replaced Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of the franchise. LSG announced the decision on Wednesday, August 28 via their social media channels after hosting a press conference. Franchise owner Sanjeev Goenka, who was present in the press conference, said that Zaheer will watch over the overall developments of the players.
The position of mentor in LSG had been lying vacant since the departure of Gautam Gambhir in 2024. Gambhir had left for KKR ahead of the IPL 2024 season. The former India batter had guided the franchise to back-to-back IPL playoffs, combining with coach Andy Flower. The departure of the duo in 2024 saw the franchise tumble under the coaching of Justin Langer, under whom LSG failed to qualify for the top 4.
Zaheer's inclusion is expected to give a boost to the bowling set-up of the franchise, who also lost their bowling coach Morne Morkel. Morkel joined the Indian team as the assistant coach alongside Gautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar.
Zaheer Khan is counted among one of the finest fast bowlers to have ever played cricket in India. With a career spanning over two decades, he has excelled both as a player and a coach, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Born on October 8, 1978, Zaheer Khan made his international debut in 2000 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the young Indian cricket team. He was a key member of the team that reached the final of the 2003 World Cup and then the one that won the 2011 ODI World Cup. Zaheer took 21 wickets in just nine games in the 2011 edition of the game.
Zaheer's career was marked by his ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old, making him a nightmare for batsmen. He took 311 wickets in 92 Test matches at an average of 32.94, making him the second-most successful Indian fast bowler after Kapil Dev.
Zaheer Khan's IPL career was equally impressive. He played for several teams, including Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils. In 2017, he became the 10th bowler to take 100 wickets in the IPL, achieving this feat at the age of 38. His economy rate of 7.58 in 100 IPL games is a testament to his skill and consistency.
After retiring from international cricket in 2015, Zaheer Khan transitioned into coaching. He has previously worked with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, bringing his extensive experience to the team. His coaching style is characterised by his ability to guide and mentor young bowlers, much like he did during his playing days. Zaheer's inputs were instrumental in the development of Ishant Sharma, who credits Zaheer for helping him mature as a bowler.
