Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has decided to part ways with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after just one season. The 2025 IPL season saw Zaheer joining the franchise as a mentor ahead of the mega auction, but according to ESPN Cricinfo, the legendary bowler informed the Sajiv Goenka-owned team about his decision on Thursday, September 18.
Clash of Visions Behind Zaheer’s Exit
The reason for Zaheer’s departure reportedly stems from a difference in vision. Sources suggest that Zaheer’s approach for the franchise didn’t align with that of head coach Justin Langer and team owner Sanjeev Goenka. Despite maintaining a strong relationship with LSG captain Rishabh Pant, Zaheer was reportedly disheartened by the “cluttered thinking” within the team. This, according to sources, contributed to LSG’s decline in the second half of IPL 2025, which saw the team fail to make the playoffs.
Zaheer’s Role and Contribution to LSG in IPL 2025
Zaheer was brought in as a mentor for IPL 2025, replacing Gautam Gambhir. His responsibilities included scouting, planning, and strategizing for the team. He signed a two-year contract with LSG in August 2024, but despite his efforts, the franchise couldn’t qualify for the playoffs, leading to his decision to step down after a single season.
Expected Player Releases by LSG
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, LSG had retained Indian pacer Mayank Yadav for a hefty Rs 11 crore. However, injury issues limited Mayank to just two appearances for the franchise. As a result, LSG is expected to release him before the IPL 2026 mini auctions. Additionally, pacer Mohsin Khan, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and South African batter David Miller are likely to be let go. Mohsin missed the entire season due to injury, while Bishnoi and Miller failed to meet expectations. Miller, in particular, struggled with just 153 runs in 11 matches.
Zaheer Khan’s brief but impactful stint with LSG has come to an end, and the franchise will now look to regroup and focus on the future as they prepare for the upcoming IPL seasons.
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