The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly set to part ways with mentor Zaheer Khan, whose one-year contract is nearing its end. According to The Times of India, the former India pace spearhead—who also handled LSG’s bowling department—will step down before the start of the IPL 2026 season.
Zaheer Khan joined the Lucknow-based franchise ahead of the 2025 season, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who made a high-profile return to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. Stepping into dual roles as mentor and bowling coach, Zaheer filled the void left by Morne Morkel’s exit to take up a coaching role with the Indian men’s cricket team.
However, LSG endured a below-par campaign in IPL 2025 under new captain Rishabh Pant. They finished seventh on the points table with just six wins from 14 matches, missing out on a playoff berth. This disappointing outcome has triggered a shake-up in the team’s backroom staff. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka is now expected to appoint a new mentor with expanded responsibilities that go beyond the IPL setup.
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The incoming figure will also play a strategic role across RPSG Group’s global cricket portfolio, including sister franchises Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 league and Manchester Originals in The Hundred. “LSG is set to part ways with Zaheer Khan, and the new mentor will be given a bigger role to monitor RPSG Group’s other franchises,” a source told TOI.
Before joining LSG, Zaheer held a prominent role with the Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022, serving first as Director of Cricket and later leading the franchise’s global development initiatives. The Super Giants have already bolstered their coaching staff by bringing in Bharat Arun, the former India bowling coach and key architect of Kolkata Knight Riders’ successful pace attack. Arun’s role will cover scouting and nurturing young fast-bowling talent, not just for LSG but also for Durban’s Super Giants and Manchester Originals.
“Arun’s role is also extensive as he will be given extra responsibility for scouting and working on their young quicks for Durban’s Super Giants and, from next year, with the Manchester Originals as well,” the report added. Injuries hampered LSG’s bowling resources during IPL 2025, a key factor in their inconsistent performances and eventual decision to revamp the bowling setup.
Bharat Arun has already expressed his enthusiasm for the project, praising the franchise’s commitment to long-term player development. “It’s an honour to join Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise that reflects professionalism, ambition, and vision at every level. The intent to invest in young Indian talent and build a lasting legacy is inspiring,” Arun said.
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He highlighted promising talents like Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Singh, adding, “My mission is to shape them into a fearless, tactically astute pace unit capable of challenging the best batting line-ups globally.”
With a fresh vision and expanded coaching setup, LSG will aim for a strong resurgence in IPL 2026.
