Former Indian left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan’s debut season as mentor was a disappointment, as LSG finished 7th in the points table with 7 victories in IPL 2025.
As IPL 2025 concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifting their maiden title after defeating Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, teams have already begun planning for the next season. One franchise in focus is the Lucknow Super Giants, with both Coach Justin Langer and Mentor Zaheer Khan reportedly set to depart after a poor campaign.
Zaheer, Langer Likely to Exit as LSG Plans Reset
Zaheer Khan, who joined LSG as mentor for the 2025 season, had signed only a one-year contract. In the post-match press conference after LSG’s final game, he promised to return next season to help improve the squad. However, a day later, it was reported that Justin Langer’s contract would not be renewed due to poor performance, and Zaheer Khan was expected to take over as head coach for IPL 2026.
Now, the latest reports suggest that Zaheer Khan may not renew his contract after facing criticism from the management over LSG’s disappointing season. Team owner Sanjiv Goenka has reportedly expressed the need for changes in the coaching staff to push for a maiden IPL title in the upcoming season
Zaheer Khan’s future with the franchise is also linked to Rishabh Pant’s underwhelming season. Pant scored just 269 runs in 14 matches, including one century and one fifty. Despite his highlight knock, the team lost in the matches where he performed, and his overall contribution as captain was seen as a below par, Zaheer Khan who played a pivotal role in acquiring Pant at the mega auction and shares a strong rapport with him, was held partly responsible for the decision, further putting his position under risk.
Zaheer’s Mentorship Shows Promise Amid Setbacks
Zaheer Khan’s inclusion has shaped up the team well after their underwhelming mega auction, and with their star bowlers missing, Zaheer Khan’s influence led Lucknow Super Giants to play a fearless brand of cricket, which worked out well in the majority of the matches but missing out on a few matches caused them to be eliminated from the tournament.
Zaheer Khan, who has proved to be an amazing mentor, definitely needs another chance to rebuild this team if Justin Langer is leaving the team.
Also Read: LSG Set for Coaching Shake-Up as Langer Nears Exit
