The IPL is set for significant changes ahead of the 2025 season, and one of the most talked-about transformations is within the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team. Reports suggest that Sanjiv Goenka, the owner, might soon announce a new mentor for the team, with Zaheer Khan being the frontrunner to take over Gautam Gambhir’s role. With Gautam Gambhir moving on to become the head coach of Team India, Zaheer Khan is poised to take on new responsibilities.
What Is Zaheer Khan’s Expected Salary?
Gautam Gambhir was earning a substantial INR 3.5 crore per season during his tenure with LSG. Given Zaheer Khan’s extensive experience and revered status in cricket, it is anticipated that he will be offered an even more lucrative package. Khan has previously been associated with the Mumbai Indians as the Director of Cricket Operations and is now ready to embrace a new challenge with Lucknow Super Giants.
Zaheer Khan’s Wealth of Experience
Zaheer Khan brings a remarkable wealth of international and domestic cricket experience. Having played across all three formats, he has also spent considerable time in county cricket and has a solid track record in the IPL. With a total of 311 wickets from 92 Test matches, 282 wickets in 200 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 102 wickets in 100 IPL games, Khan has had a substantial impact on the game. Notably, he played a pivotal role during India’s 2011 World Cup victory, ensuring the team had great success on foreign soil as a bowling captain, a role assigned to him by MS Dhoni.
Changes in Leadership: Will KL Rahul Stay?
Another crucial development in the LSG camp is the potential change in captaincy. Reports indicate that Sanjiv Goenka may announce a new captain for the upcoming season, with KL Rahul’s position being questioned. Rahul has captained LSG for the past three seasons, yet the team has not managed to clinch the IPL title during this period. The management might decide to make this strategic change as they aim for greater success in the league.
Summary of Zaheer Khan’s Career
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 92 | 311 |
| ODI | 200 | 282 |
| IPL | 100 | 102 |
Conclusion
As the Lucknow Super Giants prepare for IPL 2025, the potential appointment of Zaheer Khan as mentor signals a serious intent for change and improvement. With his depth of experience, both as a player and a mentor, he could provide the strategic guidance needed for LSG to finally break their title drought. Additionally, possible shifts in leadership could further transform the team’s dynamics, making it an exciting period for fans and players alike.
