IPL 2026: Is all well for Lucknow Super Giants after popular Indian bowler parts ways?

In a surprising development ahead of IPL 2026, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has ended its association with team mentor and former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan after just one season. The move, confirmed on Thursday, brings an abrupt end to the former India pacer’s stint, which began in August 2024 with high expectations.

LSG’s Inconsistent Run Under Pant

After making the playoffs in their debut campaigns of 2022 and 2023, LSG faltered in the last two editions. In IPL 2025, with Rishabh Pant as captain, the team managed only six wins in 14 matches to finish seventh. Despite starting strongly with five wins from their first eight games, their campaign fell apart in the second half, where they secured just one victory in the final six outings.

Clash of Visions in Management

Reports suggest the split stemmed from differences in strategy. Zaheer’s vision reportedly clashed with head coach Justin Langer and franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka. While he shared a positive bond with Pant, Zaheer grew frustrated with what he perceived as “cluttered thinking” within the management and support staff.

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Tactical Tweaks Showed Promise

Replacing Gautam Gambhir, who rejoined KKR in 2023, Zaheer was tasked with scouting, planning, and long-term direction. One of his notable contributions was restructuring the batting order, pushing Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram to open, easing pressure on Pant and Nicholas Pooran. The move paid dividends, with Marsh emerging as the fifth-highest run-scorer of IPL 2025 and Pooran enjoying one of his finest seasons.

Expectations Unmet at Home

Despite those successes, LSG faltered at home in Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, winning just two of their eight matches. The underwhelming campaign ultimately overshadowed Zaheer’s impact, leading to the franchise’s decision to move on.