Zaheer Khan left his position as mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after just one year in the role, and the reason was the head coach, Justin Langer, and Rishabh Pant. After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, the behind-the-scenes drama started between Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer.
Tensions within the LSG team escalated during the IPL 2025 due to Rishabh Pant’s batting position. Langer wanted Pant to bat in the top three, believing his aggressive style could dominate the innings after putting so much money on the Indian wicketkeeper.
Zaheer Khan leaves LSG following disagreements over Rishabh Pant’s batting spot
The LSG head coach wanted the left-handed hitter to “step up and play more.” However, Zaheer was adamant that Nicholas Pooran deserved the third spot, arguing that the West Indian hard-hitter’s consistency made him the better choice than Pant at this position.
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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain was given the option to bat higher or lower, and he chose to lower the order, but this reportedly affected his rhythm and confidence. After that, Pooran himself even offered to reduce the order, but Zaheer refused to compromise.
The mentor was confident that Pooran would win the title by batting at number three. Sources suggest that this drama had a direct impact on Pant’s form and created tension between him and the team management. Langer was clear about Pant’s team expectations.
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Justin Langer and Zaheer Khan were not on the same page.. https://t.co/LHSkug2R4o pic.twitter.com/8tUCf1sHww— HARSHIT 🕷 (@I_am_Harshit_17) October 16, 2025
Zaheer Khan denies revised role at Lucknow Super Giants
The LSG coach believed that Pant would be more effective at number 3, and that’s where all the disagreements started. Midway through the season, the management agreed to promote Pant and Ayush Badoni higher up while using Pooran as a finisher, and this move was opposed by Zaheer even at that point when the team was struggling to win matches last season.
In the season review, Langer’s strategy won over the management and owners of the LSG team, while Zaheer’s arguments fell short. The former Indian fast bowler was offered a revised role but he declined, leading to his departure from the IPL side.
Lack of coordination and communication between Langer and Zaheer played a key role in the team’s decline in performance in the IPL 2025, where they won just one of their last six matches and finished seventh in the points table after a strong start.
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Kane Williamson joins LSG as Strategic Advisor ahead of IPL 2026
In a surprise development, New Zealand star Kane Williamson has joined Lucknow Super Giants as a strategic advisor. However, he will not appear in matches and will mainly be present with the team. It is said that LSG captain Pant was probably kept informed about Williamson’s signing.
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain brings immense experience, leadership and cricketing intelligence to the side. Williamson has previously proven his ability to guide teams, guiding New Zealand through different formats and even acting as SRH captain in David Warner’s absence.
His presence around Lucknow Super Giants could provide stability and mentorship for the players, both on and off the field.
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