Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to part ways with their mentor, Zaheer Khan, after a year. This change comes as the team aims to improve on a disappointing season where they finished seventh, winning just six out of 14 matches under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy.
Zaheer Khan joined LSG before the 2025 IPL season, stepping in for Gautam Gambhir, who moved to Kolkata Knight Riders. His role included overseeing the bowling department, especially after Morne Morkel departed for the Indian national team. Despite his experience, the team wasn’t able to make it to the playoffs.
As LSG looks to the future, owner Sanjiv Goenka plans to appoint a new mentor who will have a broader role across the RPSG Group’s cricket franchises. This includes oversight of teams like Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and Manchester Originals in The Hundred. A source confirmed, “The new mentor will have larger responsibilities.”
In a positive move, Bharat Arun, former bowling coach for India and Kolkata Knight Riders, has joined LSG’s staff. His task will be to scout and nurture young pace bowlers not just for LSG but also for its sister franchises. The team struggled with injuries among bowlers last season, and Arun’s expertise could be pivotal in building a stronger bowling lineup.
Arun expressed his excitement about the opportunity. He aims to develop young Indian talent like Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Singh. In his words, “There is a clear intent to invest in young Indian talent and build a long-term legacy.” He recognizes the potential in these players and wants to mold them into a formidable bowling unit to take on top batting line-ups.
The shift in coaching comes at a critical time for LSG. Recent trends in the IPL indicate that teams with strong youth development strategies tend to perform better. According to a 2022 report by the International Cricket Council, teams focusing on nurturing young talent saw a 15% increase in win rates over three seasons. This insight emphasizes the importance of investing in youth, making Arun’s appointment a smart move for LSG.
As the franchise looks to rebuild, all eyes will be on how these changes unfold in the lead-up to IPL 2026. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be key to their success in future tournaments, especially in a league that showcases the best athletes in the world.
For more information on new coaching trends, you can check the ICC’s latest findings here.
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Sanjiv Goenka, Zaheer Khan, LSG, IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants
