Zaheer Khan left his post as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor after just one year in the role, and the reason was head coaches Justin Langer and Rishabh Pant. After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bought Rishabh Pant for Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, behind-the-scenes drama broke out between Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer.
Tension rises within the LSG team regarding Rishabh Pant’s batting position in IPL 2025. Langer wanted Pant to bat in the top three, believing his aggressive style could dominate the innings after investing so much money on the Indian wicketkeeper.
Zaheer Khan leaves LSG after disagreement over Rishabh Pant’s batting position
The LSG head coach wanted the left-handed batsman to “step up and play more.” However, Zaheer was adamant that Nicholas Pooran deserved the No. 3 spot, arguing that the West Indian hard-hitter’s consistency made him a better choice than Pant at the position.
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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain was given the option of batting up or down the order, and he chose to bat lower down the order, but this reportedly affected his rhythm and confidence. After which Puran himself offered to move down the order, but Zaheer refused to compromise.
The mentor was adamant that Puran would win the title while batting at number three. Sources say that this drama had a direct impact on Pant’s form and created tension between him and the team management. Langer was clear about what the team expected from Pant.
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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) 16 October 2025
Zaheer Khan rules out revised role in Lucknow Super Giants
The LSG coach believed that Pant would be more effective at No. 3 and that’s where all the disagreements started. Midway through the season, the management agreed to promote Pant and Ayush Badoni up the order while using Pooran as a finisher, and Zaheer opposed the move, even at a time when the team was struggling to win matches in the previous season.
In the season review, Langer’s tactics won over the LSG team management and owners, while Zaheer’s arguments failed. The former Indian fast bowler was offered a modified role but he refused, which led to his omission from the IPL squad.
The lack of coordination and communication between Langer and Zaheer played a key role in the team’s decline in performance in IPL 2025, where they won just one of their last six matches and finished seventh on 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 participate in the matches and will mainly be around the team. It is being said that LSG captain Pant was aware of the contract with Williamson.
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain brings immense experience, leadership and cricketing intelligence to the team. Williamson has proven his ability to guide teams before, leading New Zealand across all formats and even stepping up as SRH captain during the absence of David Warner.
His presence around Lucknow Super Giants can provide stability and guidance to the players both on and off the field.