Huge fallout at LSG led to Zaheer Khan’s exit!! Shocking details revealed after Kane Williamson’s entry

Zaheer Khan left his position as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after just one year in the position, and the reason was behind head coach Justin Langer and Rishabh Pant. After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snapped up Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore in the mega IPL 2025 auction, the behind-the-scenes drama began between Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer.

Tensions have risen within the LSG squad in IPL 2025 over Rishabh Pant’s batting position. Langer wanted Pant to bat in the top three, believing his aggressive style could dominate the innings after putting so much money on the Indian wicket-keeper.

Zaheer Khan resigned from LSG after disagreements over where Rishabh Pant batted

The LSG coach wanted the left-handed batsman to “step up and play more”. However, Zaheer was adamant that Nicholas Pooran deserved the No. 3 slot, arguing that the West Indies’ powerful batsman’s consistency made him a better option than Pant in that position.

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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain was offered the option of batting higher or lower, and chose to bat on the order, but this reportedly affected his rhythm and confidence. Afterwards, Boran himself offered to back down, but Zaheer refused to concede.

The mentor was adamant that Pooran would win the title by batting at number three. Sources indicate that this drama directly affected Pant’s form and created tension between him and the team management. Langer was clear about the team’s expectations from Pant.

Look at this video
Justin Langer and Zaheer Khan were not on the same page.. https://t.co/LHSkug2R4o pic.twitter.com/8tUCf1sHww

– Harshit 🕷 (@I_am_Harsit_17) October 16, 2025

Zaheer Khan denies his modified role with Lucknow Super Giants

The LSG coach believes Pant will be more effective at number three, and that’s where all the arguments started. Midway through the season, the management agreed to promote Pant and Ayush Badoni to the top of the order while using Pooran as a striker, and Zaheer had opposed the move, even at the time when the team was struggling to win matches last season.

In reviewing the season, Langer’s strategy impressed LSG’s management and owners, while Zuhair’s arguments failed. The former Indian fast bowler was offered a revised role, but he declined, leading to his exit from the IPL squad.

The lack of coordination and communication between Langer and Zaheer played a major role in the team’s decline in the 2025 Indian Premier League, where they won only one of their last six matches and finished seventh in the points table after a strong start.

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Kane Williamson joins LSG as a 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 present with the team. It is said that LSG captain, Pant, was likely aware of Williamson’s signing.

The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain brings immense experience, leadership and cricketing intelligence to the team. Williamson has previously proven his ability to captain teams, captaining New Zealand in various competitions, and also captaining the team during David Warner’s absence.

His presence around Lucknow Super Giants can provide stability and guidance to the players, offering guidance on and off the field.