In a surprising development ahead of IPL 2026, former India pacer Zaheer Khan has parted ways with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after serving just one season as mentor. The decision, confirmed on September 18, 2025, comes amid reports of a growing disconnect between Zaheer’s strategic vision and that of LSG head coach Justin Langer and franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka.
Zaheer, who joined LSG in August 2024 on a two-year contract, was tasked with building a competitive squad around marquee signing Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore. Despite a promising start to the season, LSG’s campaign faltered in the second half, finishing seventh on the points table with just six wins from 14 matches.
Why Zaheer Khan Left LSG: Key Reasons
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Vision Misalignment | Strategic differences with Justin Langer and Sanjiv Goenka |
| Management Clutter | Zaheer reportedly frustrated by “cluttered thinking” in decision-making |
| Tactical Disagreements | Conflicting views on team combinations and player roles |
| Franchise Direction | Lack of clarity on long-term roadmap |
| Emotional Disconnect | Despite strong rapport with Rishabh Pant, Zaheer felt sidelined |
Sources close to the franchise revealed that Zaheer’s departure was amicable but inevitable, given the growing divergence in cricketing philosophy.
LSG’s IPL 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 14 |
| Wins | 6 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Points Table Position | 7th |
| Home Wins (Ekana Stadium) | 2 |
| Away Wins | 4 |
LSG started strong, winning five of their first eight matches, but managed only one win in the final six games. The team’s inconsistency and lack of cohesion were evident in their middle-order collapses and bowling inefficiencies.
Zaheer Khan’s Tactical Contributions
Despite the internal discord, Zaheer made several impactful decisions during his tenure.
| Tactical Move | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Promoted Mitchell Marsh to open | Marsh finished 5th in tournament run-scorers |
| Shifted Nicholas Pooran to No. 3 | Improved strike rate and match-winning knocks |
| Backed Aiden Markram in top order | Provided stability in powerplay overs |
| Advocated youth rotation | Gave exposure to Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav |
Zaheer’s cricketing acumen was evident in his player management and match-day strategies, even as the team struggled to convert plans into consistent results.
Timeline of Zaheer Khan’s Association With LSG
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | Appointed mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir |
| December 2024 | Oversaw IPL 2025 mega auction strategy |
| March–May 2025 | Mentored team through IPL season |
| September 18, 2025 | Officially parted ways with franchise |
Zaheer’s exit follows a pattern of high-profile departures from LSG, including Gambhir’s move to Kolkata Knight Riders and Andy Flower’s earlier exit.
LSG’s Leadership Structure: Before and After Zaheer
| Role | 2025 Season | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Mentor | Zaheer Khan | Vacant |
| Head Coach | Justin Langer | Retained |
| Bowling Coach | Bharat Arun (appointed July 2025) | Continues |
| Captain | Rishabh Pant | Likely retained |
With Zaheer gone, LSG will need to reassess its leadership dynamics and possibly bring in a new mentor or director of cricket ahead of IPL 2026.
Bharat Arun’s Entry and Pace Vision
LSG recently appointed former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to lead their pace development program. Arun expressed excitement about working with a young crop of Indian fast bowlers, including Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Singh.
| Coach | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Bharat Arun | Fast bowling unit development |
| Justin Langer | Overall team strategy |
| Rishabh Pant | On-field leadership |
Arun’s appointment signals LSG’s intent to build a formidable pace attack and invest in long-term talent development.
Zaheer Khan’s IPL Journey: From MI to LSG
| Franchise | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | Director of Cricket | 2018–2022 |
| Delhi Capitals | Player & Captain | 2016–2017 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Mentor | 2024–2025 |
Zaheer’s IPL experience spans scouting, strategy, and mentoring, making him one of the most respected minds in the league.
What’s Next for Zaheer Khan?
While Zaheer has not announced his next move, speculation is rife about a potential return to commentary, media engagements, or a new franchise role. His departure from LSG may also open doors for national team consultancy or overseas T20 leagues.
| Possible Role | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| IPL Commentary & Analysis | High |
| Franchise Mentor (Other Team) | Moderate |
| National Team Consultant | Possible |
| Overseas League Role | Emerging |
Zaheer’s reputation and experience ensure that his next chapter will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders.
Conclusion: Zaheer Khan’s Exit Reflects Deeper Fault Lines at LSG
Zaheer Khan’s decision to quit Lucknow Super Giants after just one season underscores the challenges of aligning cricketing vision with franchise dynamics. While his tactical inputs yielded results, the lack of synergy with Langer and Goenka proved too great to overcome.
As LSG prepares for IPL 2026, the franchise must address internal clarity, leadership cohesion, and long-term planning to avoid repeating past missteps. For Zaheer, the exit may be a new beginning—one that allows him to pursue roles where his vision is not just respected, but realized.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified team statements, and IPL performance data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute coaching, contractual, or investment advice. All team roles and future appointments are subject to official confirmation.
