Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan is set to join Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor.

According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Zaheer is set to be appointed in the role which was left vacant by Gautam Gambhir’s exit from the position after IPL 2023. Gambhir became Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor this year, leading them to their third title. Following the successful season, he succeeded Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach.

The report suggests that there's no clarity yet on whether Zaheer will also take over as the franchise’s bowling coach, a position left vacant by the departure of Morne Morkel, who joined Gambhir in India’s coaching staff as their bowling coach. Zaheer is expected to take up a wider role, involving him in scouting and player development programmes during the off season, claims the report.

Between 2018 and 2022, Zaheer first served as the director of cricket of Mumbai Indians and then became the head of global development. Before that, he represented three franchises – MI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Daredevils – as an active cricketer. He last featured in the league in 2017 before calling time on his career.

Justin Langer, who is currently the head coach of LSG, is set to continue in that role, having taken over from Andy Flower in IPL 2024. Lance Klusener and Adam Voges are his assistants in the coaching set-up. After making it to the playoffs in their first two seasons, LSG, led by KL Rahul, failed to qualify this year, ending at seventh on the points table.

Update: Zaheer Khan confirmed as LSG mentor

On Wednesday afternoon, Lucknow Super Giants confirmed that Zaheer would indeed be taking over as mentor at the franchise.

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