Zaheer Khan’s Role in IPL 2025
Appointed in August 2024, Zaheer Khan took over mentorship duties at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following Gautam Gambhir’s move to KKR. His role focuses on:
- Bowling strategy and execution
- Mentoring young pacers (e.g., Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan)
- Building game-time temperament
- Supporting coach Justin Langer and skipper Rishabh Pant tactically
Zaheer’s calm approach, strategic intelligence, and fast-bowling insights have made him the franchise’s backroom cornerstone.
Fatherhood and Focus: A Personal Milestone
Today, April 16, 2025, Zaheer Khan and actress-wife Sagarika Ghatge welcomed their first child—a baby boy named Fatehsinh Khan.
Fans and cricketers from across the world have extended heartfelt congratulations, marking this as a dual-celebration day for the cricketing icon—both on and off the field.
LSG’s IPL 2025 Performance So Far
LSG’s IPL 2025 campaign began on a high-scoring yet heartbreaking note:
📅 March 24, 2025
🆚 Delhi Capitals
📍 Visakhapatnam
🏏 LSG Score: 209/8
🚨 Result: Lost by 1 wicket
🌟 Key Players: Nicholas Pooran (75), Mitchell Marsh (72), Ashutosh Sharma (66 off 31, DC)
Despite scoring above 200, LSG’s bowling couldn’t defend under pressure—a key area Zaheer now urgently addresses.
⚠️ Challenges in Bowling Department
| Issue | Impacted Phase | Stats & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay Bowling | 1–6 overs | Economy: 10.8 (2nd worst in IPL 2025) |
| Death Overs Strategy | 16–20 overs | Too many full tosses & slot balls |
| Lack of Variation | Across innings | Over-reliance on pace, few cutters/slowers |
| Match Awareness | Crucial moments | Bowlers failed to execute field plans |
Zaheer’s experience is being leaned on to steady this sinking ship.
📈 Zaheer’s Strategy Moving Forward
🛠 Skill Development: Focus on bowling yorkers, slower bouncers, knuckleballs
🧠 Mental Toughness: Encouraging bowlers to handle crunch moments
📊 Data-Driven Coaching: In-depth opposition analysis using IPL analytics
🤝 Leadership Collaboration: Supporting Justin Langer and Rishabh Pant in decision-making
🧢 LSG 2025 Squad Snapshot
| Player | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | Captain | Dynamic batsman, keeper |
| Nicholas Pooran | Finisher | Aggressive left-hander |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder | Power hitter, handy bowler |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner | India hopeful |
| Mohsin Khan | Pacer | Young and raw talent |
| Mayank Yadav | Pacer | Under Zaheer’s mentorship |
📢 Public Reaction & Social Buzz
@CricketGully: “Zaheer Khan is LSG’s mentor & now a proud father. Big month for him!”
@saintkishore: “Zaheer and Sagarika welcome their baby boy. Cricket royalty meets Bollywood grace.”
@Mufaddal_vohra: “Legend Zaheer turns mentor, father & fan favorite again.”
LSG fans are hopeful that Zaheer’s calm leadership will resurrect their bowling woes and lead them to playoffs.
❓ FAQs
Who is Zaheer Khan’s wife?
Actress Sagarika Ghatge, known for her role in Chak De! India.
Is Zaheer Khan LSG’s bowling coach or mentor?
He is the team mentor, overseeing bowling strategy and player development.
What is the name of Zaheer Khan’s son?
Fatehsinh Khan, born on April 16, 2025.
Did LSG win their opening IPL 2025 match?
No, they lost to Delhi Capitals by 1 wicket despite scoring 209 runs.
🔚 Conclusion
With both personal joy and professional challenges, Zaheer Khan’s journey in IPL 2025 is turning into a defining chapter of his post-retirement career. LSG’s success now heavily depends on how quickly he can fix their bowling struggles and instill tactical discipline.
As fatherhood brings new motivation, fans believe this could be the beginning of something special for both Zaheer and LSG. For more about IPL, check out our IPL categories page. Let us know in the comments!
