Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad feels Zaheer Khan’s appointment as Lucknow Super Giant’s mentor will be a game-changer for the franchise. Zaheer has all the experience under his belt and had earlier played the mentor role for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
LSG has young fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Yash Thakur and the duo can excel under Zaheer Khan’s tutelage. Yadav has impressed with his race pace and Khan will look to get the best out of him if LSG manages to keep him in the squad after the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers produced by India and he was the finest of his era. Khan also played an instrumental role in taking India to the 2011 ODI World Cup glory as he scalped 21 wickets in nine matches at an average of 18.76.
“It’s very good news for Lucknow Super Giants, that someone of Zaheer Khan’s stature has been drafted in as a mentor of the side,” Prasad told Sportskeeda.
“He is a very cool, calm customer, and he understands the game much, much better. And he has got a lot of depth and a lot of knowledge. Apart from that, his personal success across all formats, in T20s, both in IPL and with the Indian team, wealth of experience will be of immense help to the franchise,” he added.
Earlier, Morne Morkel was LSG’s bowling coach but the South African has now taken up the same role with the Indian team and Zaheer will look to fill in his shoes.
“He can also be a very big guide for our bowlers. We’ve got a wonderful bowling unit. I think now that Morne has moved on, I think Zaheer’s knowledge, not only as a mentor but also for our bowling unit will be a big booster. It’s wonderful and I am very happy that someone of such wonderful stature has been drafted in. It will be a good game-changer for LSG,” Prasad further said.
Prasad recalled how Zaheer Khan’s experience helped Mumbai Indians despite the franchise making a slow start to the tournament.
“He’s been part of so many successful stories of Mumbai Indians, where Mumbai Indians have struggled to go through the initial phase but eventually went on to win the tournament. Zaheer is very much an integral part of that success story… And he, along with Justin Langer and the other support staff, I think will be a good combination. Both are very cool and calm, composed characters. I think the combination will definitely boost LSG.”
