LSG Part Ways With Mentor Zaheer Khan Just After One IPL Season

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to part ways with mentor Zaheer Khan ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Times Of India has reported.

According to sources tracking the development, LSG will soon name a new mentor who will be given a bigger role, including overseeing RPSG Group’s other franchises.

Franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka, currently in the UK for The Hundred, is expected to announce a Director of Cricket who will monitor year-round development for Durban’s Super Giants (SA20) and Manchester Originals (The Hundred).

Zaheer had joined LSG in 2024 as Gautam Gambhir’s replacement after the latter stepped down post-IPL 2023. The former India pacer also doubled up as bowling coach after Morne Morkel’s exit to work with Gambhir and the Indian men’s cricket team.

Before his LSG stint, Zaheer had a long association with Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022, serving first as Director of Cricket and later as head of global development.

Earlier this month, LSG appointed former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to lead their pace unit. Arun’s role will also extend to scouting and mentoring young fast bowlers for both Durban’s Super Giants and Manchester Originals.

Under Rishabh Pant’s leadership, LSG endured a mixed IPL 2025 campaign, producing occasional flashes of brilliance but struggling for consistency.

The backroom reshuffle, starting with Arun’s arrival and Zaheer’s exit, is part of the team’s plan to address those concerns before IPL 2026.

“It’s an honour to join Lucknow Super Giants,” Arun said. “There is a clear intent to invest in young Indian talent and build a long-term legacy. The franchise has a dynamic group of fast bowlers with huge potential, and my mission is to shape them into a fearless, tactically sharp unit capable of challenging the best.”