Indian Premier League (IPL) thrives on drama, and this season was no exception. When Zaheer Khan left LSG after just one year as mentor, fans were shocked. Expectations were sky-high when the former Indian pacer joined as LSG mentor, but things unraveled quickly. For those following the LSG team in IPL 2025, the big question remains: what exactly went wrong?
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Why Zaheer Khan Left LSG?
The official explanation centers on a clash of vision. According to reports, Zaheer’s methods of planning, scouting, and role clarity didn’t align with head coach Justin Langer or owner Sanjiv Goenka. While Zaheer was focused on long-term stability, management pushed for immediate results. This created tension in the dressing room.
Zaheer Khan has parted ways with Lucknow SuperGiants. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/jyTrA31W0m
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 18, 2025
Although Zaheer shared a good relationship with Rishabh Pant, the captain of LSG in IPL 2025, the lack of strategic alignment weighed him down. For a man who believes in discipline and structure, the franchise’s cluttered approach was too much to handle. That’s why Zaheer left LSG, not because he failed, but because he felt the setup was moving in a direction he couldn’t support.
Zaheer Khan’s Contributions to LSG
Despite his short stint, Zaheer’s impact was evident.
Role Clarity in Batting: He pushed for Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram to open the innings, freeing Nicholas Pooran and Pant to dominate the middle order. This move turned Marsh into one of the top scorers of IPL 2025, proving Zaheer’s tactical sharpness.
Guidance to Pant: By ensuring Pant wasn’t overburdened, Zaheer protected the franchise’s record ₹27-crore investment. Pant was able to focus on anchoring the innings rather than the stress of opening.
Scouting and Strategy: As an LSG mentor, Zaheer brought with him the experience of shaping champions during his years at the Mumbai Indians. His eye for talent and tactical sense gave LSG much-needed structure, even if results didn’t fully reflect it.
LSG’s Performance in IPL 2025
On paper, it wasn’t disastrous, but it wasn’t good enough either.
Bright Start: 5 wins in the first 8 games.
Collapse: Just 1 win in the final 6.
Home Woes: At the Ekana Stadium, LSG won only 2 of 8 matches.
For the LSG team in IPL 2025, the story was one of missed opportunities. With star batters firing but bowling failing to defend totals, they struggled for consistency. And with management pulling in different directions, Zaheer’s voice often got lost. It’s no wonder Zaheer Khan left LSG after just one season.
What Went Wrong?
It boiled down to leadership alignment. Zaheer wanted clarity and patience, but management wanted instant success. The team’s struggle at home added to the frustration. Even with strong individual performances, a lack of harmony in vision led to a mid-season collapse. Simply put: when the top table doesn’t agree, the team suffers.
Where Is Zaheer Khan Headed Next?
Reports strongly suggest that Zaheer could join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With Gautam Gambhir already back in the KKR camp, pairing him with Zaheer would create a formidable think-tank. Zaheer’s expertise, especially in bowling strategy, is highly valued. Having already proven his worth as a mentor, his move to KKR could be the reset he needs to showcase his leadership without the clashes he faced in Lucknow.
Zaheer Khan has parted ways with Lucknow SuperGiants. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/jyTrA31W0m
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 18, 2025
And for Lucknow, Zaheer’s exit highlights deeper issues. Losing Gambhir in 2023 and now Zaheer in 2025 shows a pattern: big-name mentors aren’t sticking around. Unless the franchise addresses its internal leadership conflicts, the revolving door of strategists will continue. Fans of LSG in IPL 2025 will rightly wonder: was the problem really with Zaheer, or with the setup itself?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Zaheer Khan left his LSG mentor role not because of one bad season, but because the franchise’s leadership wasn’t aligned with his vision. As mentor of the LSG team in IPL 2025, he introduced bold strategies that worked, gave Pant room to breathe, and even turned Marsh into a star opener. But when the environment doesn’t support clarity, even the best minds struggle. If the KKR rumors turn out to be true, Zaheer’s story may soon continue in purple and gold. As for LSG, their journey proves one thing: talent and money don’t guarantee success. Without unity at the top, the road to the playoffs will remain rocky.
