Zaheer Khan in talks with Lucknow Super Giants for mentor-cum-bowling-coach role after Morkel's departure

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Zaheer Khan is being considered for the mentor role at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and the former India pacer could also share his expertise with the team bowlers if the talks are successful.

The development comes after the appointment of Morne Morkel as the new bowling coach of the Indian cricket team. The former South Africa quick was LSG's bowling coach since its inception in 2022. His appointment came after recommendations from Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach, and the former mentor of LSG.

Zaheer Khan was also a contender to become the bowling coach of India under Gambhir's new setup after the departure of Rahul Dravid. However, things did not materialise and Gambhir's former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Morkel was roped in. Gambhir and Morkel also worked together at LSG for two years.

But as things stand now, Zaheer and LSG are already in talks for a possible partnership. Cricbuzz on Monday (August 19) reported that Zaheer would be a key figure in the Lucknow coaching setup if a deal is brokered.

Zaheer Khan has vast coaching experience in the IPL. He was appointed as the Global Head of Cricket Development at Mumbai Indians in September 2022 after long serving as one of the key members of the franchise's coaching unit. If the appointment is executed, the 45-year-old will work with head coach Justin Langer and a strong team of coaches, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes, among others.

Zaheer Khan played 92 Test matches for India, picking 311 wickets at an average of 32.95. He also featured in 200 ODIs in which he picked 282 wickets. The former left-arm pacer also picked 17 wickets in as many T20I matches. In the IPL, Zaheer Khan played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). He picked 102 wickets in 100 IPL matches.