• Source:JND
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IPL: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are likely to part ways with mentor Zaheer Khan before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the former pacer's one-year-long contract expires.

According to a report in The Times of India, the franchise is looking to sign a new mentor to give him a ‘bigger role’ surrounding their sister franchises in other tournaments— Durban’s Super Giants in the South Africa 20 (SA20) and the Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

"LSG is set to part ways with Zaheer Khan and the new mentor will be given a bigger role to monitor RPSG Group's other franchises," a source tracking the development confirmed to TimesofIndia.com.

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Zaheer took the mentor role, replacing Gautam Gambhir after the latter shifted to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2023. The former India pacer had to take up the double duty following the team's bowling coach Morne Morkel’s exit, as the ex-South African pacer left his role to work as bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team in 2024.

Earlier, Lucknow announced that they have appointed Bharat Arun as their new bowling coach.

"Arun's role is also extensive as he will be given an extra responsibility for scouting and working on their young quicks for Durban's Super Giants and, from next year, with the Manchester Originals as well," the source said.

LSG had a largely forgettable 2025 season, finishing seventh with six victories from 14 games.

After joining the LSG, Arun underlined his goals, stating that he aims to shape Lucknow into a ‘cohesive and tactically sharp’ unit.

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"It's an honour to join the Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise that reflects professionalism, ambition, and vision at every level," Arun said in a statement.

"What excites me most is the vision for long-term development. LSG has invested in a young, talented, and dynamic group of Indian fast bowlers — Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Singh — and I see immense potential in each of them. My mission is to help shape them into a cohesive, fearless, and tactically sharp pace unit that can challenge the best batting line-ups in the world," he added.