For Lucknow Super Giants Head Coach Justin Langer, having Indian cricket great Zaheer Khan into the fray as its mentor is something to be excited about. In a warm, discounting video posted by the franchise, he spoke about Zaheer, terming him a “warrior” who has always been known for his relentless fight in competition. For Langer, in whose playing days against him Zaheer was able to fashion a gritty resolve, such unrelenting steadfastness would prove quite valuable to be imbibed in the ranks of the LSG squad.
“A great inclusion to the LSG team and family. Zaheer Khan, what a warrior. I used to really admire him as a player. I’ve admired him as an opponent. He is always one with incredible competitive spirits. Exactly the sort of attitude we want at LSG,” Justin Langer said in the video message.
Zaheer Khan is arguably one of the finest fast bowlers to have played for India, given the fact that he was very influential in the successes of the national team, which even lifted the 2011 ODI World Cup. Langer feels his presence will be a godsend because it would shape up the young pacers in the LSG squad to develop those skills and mentally prepare themselves to become jemolds at the highest level of the game.
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He’s also a very humble man, and it’s another trait that we have at LSG. We are delighted to have him. We can’t wait to see him work with our fast bowlers and help us build a really competitive squad to help us win the IPL next year, added Langer.
JL 🤝 Zak
Our Head Coach can’t wait to start working with the new Mentor 💙 pic.twitter.com/fWGIaWHGP1
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) August 29, 2024
Before signing off on his message, Langer said that he was looking forward to the impact of Zaheer on the team. “I can’t wait to see Zaheer Khan. I can’t wait to see him in our colours. I can’t wait to get back involved,” 53-year-old former Australian coach said.
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Zaheer Khan began his international career in 2000 and became one of the mainstays of India’s forces. In an illustrious career for India, he came to bundle 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and 311 scalps in 92 Test matches. He played a crucial role in India’s successful World Cup campaign in 2011, picking up 21 wickets in nine matches. Before joining LSG, Zaheer was part of the coaching team at Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
