Kolkata: Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan on Wednesday described taking over as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants team as a very special start for the franchise which failed to win the IPL despite reaching the playoffs twice. After making its debut in 2022, the Lucknow team made it to the playoffs twice under Gautam Gambhir's mentorship but its performance was not good last season and the team finished seventh.

The team is ready in every way

Zaheer said in a press conference after being appointed as the mentor, 'Lucknow is a new franchise in IPL but it should not be seen as such because the team is ready in every way. This franchise has made a lot of progress. By reaching the playoffs continuously, it has shown its consistency which is difficult in such a tough tournament. When I think about contributing to the success of the franchise, it gives me a lot of confidence.'

Next season will be special for us

Zaheer said, 'The process is very important and it will be my responsibility. I will ensure that the process is implemented properly which is necessary for the success of the team. Hopefully, the next season will be special for us which will be a very special start for this franchise.'

Zaheer has returned to IPL after two years

45-year-old Zaheer has returned to the IPL after two years. He was associated with five-time champion Mumbai Indians between 2018 and 2022. This position has been vacant in the Lucknow team since Gambhir left. Gambhir joined Kolkata Knight Riders which won the 2024 IPL. Now Gambhir is the head coach of the Indian team.

Zaheer was associated with Mumbai for a long time

Zaheer was the director of cricket at Mumbai Indians and later became the global development head. The Lucknow team currently does not have a bowling coach. South Africa's Morne Morkel was the bowling coach of the team and is now part of the support staff of the Indian team along with Gambhir. Zaheer has played IPL for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils. He took 102 wickets in 100 matches for these teams. He last played IPL in 2017 when he was the captain of the Delhi team. The head coach of the Lucknow team is Justin Langer while Lance Klusener and Adam Voges are assistant coaches.