Zaheer Khan set to join LSG as team mentor, official announcement expected today

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Zaheer Khan is set to return to IPL after a gap of two years as the new mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The development comes ahead of the IPL mega auction, and an official announcement from LSG is expected later today on Wednesday, August 28.

The 45 year-old was associated with five-time champions Mumbai Indians from 2018-2022. Earlier reports suggested that the former India pacer was in the reckoning to be appointed as the new bowling coach of India. However, Morne Morkel recently filled the position.

A formal unveiling is scheduled at the RPSG Group Headquarters here on Wednesday. "Zaheer has been appointed as team mentor and the unveiling will happen later today," sources told PTI.

Zaheer will thus take up the role left vacant by Gautam Gambhir last year when he went to join his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and guided them to the IPL title in 2024. Gambhir is now the Indian head coach.

At Mumbai Indians, Zaheer first served as the director of cricket before taking on the role of head of global development. LSG currently do not have a bowling coach after the departure of South African speedster Morne Morkel, who has joined Gambhir's coaching staff.

It is learnt that Zaheer will also be involved in scouting and player-development programmes during the off season. Before his coaching career, Zaheer played for three IPL teams -- Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils.

Over 10 seasons, Zaheer appeared in 100 matches for these teams, claiming 102 wickets with an economy rate of 7.58. His final appearance in the IPL was in 2017 when he captained the Delhi Daredevils, after which he retired from all forms of cricket.

LSG have Justin Langer as head coach with the Australian replacing Andy Flower before the last IPL as he is set to continue with his deputies Lance Klusener and Adam Voges.

(With Input From PTI)