LSG Announce Zaheer Khan’s Departure Ahead of IPL 2026

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) performed poorly in the 2025 IPL. The team finished seventh, ahead of only three other franchises. It won only six of 14 matches, which was not enough to make it into the top four. Some of the main problems for the franchise were injuries to key pacers and inconsistency in bowling. At the end of the season, LSG management was concerned about improving results. One way to resolve the situation in the team is to change the team’s development and coaching strategy. This will entail the dismissal of mentor Zaheer Khan. 

Khan joined LSG ahead of the 2025 IPL season (previously, Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian national squad, served as the team’s mentor). He was also responsible for the duties of the bowling coach. The person who replaces Zaheer as mentor is expected to have broader powers and will oversee not only LSG but also other franchises within the RPSG group. 

Bharat Arun recently became the new bowling coach at LSG. This will allow the new mentor to focus directly on the strategic vision for the team’s development, including talent scouting and development. It is not yet known who the franchise will choose for this role.