Lucknow: When Zaheer Khan signed up with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in August 2024, the move was seen as a statement of intent. The franchise, still in search of its first IPL trophy, had brought in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning pace spearhead not just as a bowling coach but also as mentor, expecting him to lend strategic depth and shape the future. Barely a year later, the association has come to an abrupt end.
The news, confirmed on Thursday and first reported by ESPNcricinfo, comes in the wake of LSG’s underwhelming seventh-place finish in IPL 2025 — their lowest since entering the league. While the decision has been framed as part of a “strategic overhaul,” insiders suggest it was more about a clash of philosophies than results alone.
A Season of Promise, A Campaign of Stumbles
Zaheer’s arrival coincided with a high-stakes IPL mega auction. Alongside head coach Justin Langer and owner Sanjeev Goenka, he played a central role in the acquisition of Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, handing the wicketkeeper-batter captaincy responsibilities. The squad looked formidable on paper, with Nicholas Pooran anchoring the middle order and a bowling attack built on variety.
But the season never quite clicked. Six wins in 14 games left the team languishing outside playoff contention for the second successive year. Injuries to key players, inconsistent middle-order batting, and lack of finishing power haunted LSG throughout the campaign.
“Zaheer had laid the building blocks,” a source close to the franchise said, “but T20 cricket doesn’t wait for long-term plans.”
Clash Behind the Scenes
According to those familiar with the matter, tensions surfaced during and after the auction. Zaheer reportedly pushed for a pace-heavy strategy while Langer leaned toward strengthening the batting order. Goenka, keen on marquee names, sometimes overrode cricketing calls with business considerations.
The arrival of former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in August 2025 further complicated matters. His role overlapped with Zaheer’s, leaving little clarity in the dressing room hierarchy. For a franchise already battling inconsistency, the leadership mix only added to the confusion.
Social Media Reacts
The announcement sparked an avalanche of reactions on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed surprise, frustration, and even nostalgia.
“Bring Zak back to Mumbai Indians — he belongs there!” posted @LoyalSachinFan, echoing a widely held sentiment. Another user, @SixSportsIndia, was blunter: “What’s next for LSG? Another season of mid-table mediocrity?”
For many, Zaheer’s departure is symbolic of a franchise still in search of its identity. While the Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have well-defined cultures, LSG has struggled to craft its narrative beyond flashes of brilliance.
What’s Next for Zaheer?
At 47, Zaheer’s credentials as a mentor remain untarnished. He previously guided Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit during their successful title runs and has worked closely with younger fast bowlers across India.
Speculation is already swirling. A quiet meeting with Rohit Sharma in Mumbai last month has fueled talk of a return to MI, this time in a more influential Director of Cricket role. Others believe Delhi Capitals, always eager to rope in high-profile Indian coaches, could be an option. There’s also the lure of global T20 leagues, with openings in the SA20 and The Hundred.
“Zaheer’s expertise is too valuable to be idle,” cricket analyst @CricInformer posted, in a tweet that gathered over 2,000 likes within hours.
LSG at a Crossroads
For Lucknow, Zaheer’s exit underscores deeper uncertainty. The franchise is reportedly exploring a Director of Cricket position to oversee its multi-team operations, spanning Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and Manchester Originals in The Hundred. It’s a move designed to align global strategy — something Zaheer’s one-year contract didn’t cover.
Meanwhile, Justin Langer’s future also hangs in the balance, with his first season at the helm failing to inspire confidence. With Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran forming the core, the next few months will be decisive in shaping LSG’s direction ahead of IPL 2026.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
Zaheer Khan may no longer wear the mentor’s hat at Lucknow, but his stature in Indian cricket ensures that wherever he lands, his influence will be felt. For LSG, the challenge is sharper: to stop being a story of “what ifs” and start delivering results that match their potential.
For now, one of India’s greatest fast bowlers has exited another IPL chapter — but the next is already being written.
