Zaheer Khan was named mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 season. However, LSG are reportedly set to part ways with Khan ahead of IPL 2026. According to the Times of India, the franchise plans to appoint a new mentor for the upcoming season, one who will take on expanded responsibilities across LSG’s other franchises as well.
The reports also indicate that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka is looking to bring in a Director of Cricket to oversee operations for all LSG teams across various T20 leagues throughout the year. LSG currently own the Manchester Originals in England’s The Hundred and Durban Super Giants in SA20.
In addition, LSG recently named Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach for IPL 2026. Arun, who previously served as India’s bowling coach, was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season but parted ways with the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL.
Zaheer Khan Steps Down as LSG Mentor Following Disappointing IPL 2025 Season
Zaheer Khan was appointed as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, signing a one-year contract. However, the team struggled throughout the season and failed to secure a playoff spot.
According to a source quoted by TOI, “LSG are set to part ways with Zaheer Khan, and the new mentor will be given a broader role overseeing RPSG Group’s other franchises.”
Rishabh Pant, named LSG’s captain before IPL 2025, partnered with Zaheer to instill an aggressive and fearless style of cricket. Despite their efforts, the strategy did not yield results, with Pant facing challenges in both captaincy and batting.
The Super Giants ended the season with six wins and eight losses from 14 matches, finishing seventh on the points table with 12 points.
LSG made their IPL debut in 2022 under KL Rahul, who led the team until 2024. The franchise reached the playoffs in their first two seasons, in 2022 and 2023.
