Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is reportedly on his way out as mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following yet another disappointing IPL season. According to reports from Cricbuzz, the franchise is preparing to revamp its backroom staff after failing to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2025 — the second consecutive season they’ve fallen short.
LSG, who were among the early contenders for a top-four finish, saw their campaign unravel dramatically in the latter half of the season. Despite winning four of their first six games, they managed just two victories in their remaining eight matches, finishing a lowly seventh on the points table with only six wins in 14 outings.
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Zaheer, who was brought in as a mentor ahead of the 2024 IPL auction, had signed a one-year contract with the franchise. While the team management is yet to officially comment, the former India seamer’s position appears increasingly untenable. The report suggests that more changes in the coaching setup are expected, with Zaheer’s future under greater scrutiny than that of head coach Justin Langer, whose contract is also up for review.
Mentor Zaheer Khan, LSG set to part ways after 7th place finish in IPL 2025 and pacers’ horror show#LSG #IPL2025 https://t.co/BP59sNpZdE
— Sports Tak (@sports_tak) June 5, 2025
One of the reasons Zaheer is under the microscope is his strong influence on the team’s strategy and overall cricketing approach this season. Alongside captain Rishabh Pant, he championed a fearless, attacking brand of cricket. However, the execution fell well short of the vision.
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Pant, too, struggled to deliver with the bat. In 14 matches, the skipper could only muster 269 runs, managing a century and a solitary fifty, failing to provide the leadership boost the side desperately needed.
With LSG falling short once again, it seems Zaheer Khan’s mentorship stint is coming to an abrupt end.
