Zaheer Khan resigned from the coaching position of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after just one year, and the reason was head coach Justin Langer and Rishabh Pant. After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired Rishabh Pant for Rs 2.70 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, behind-the-scenes drama began between Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer.
Tensions were high in the LSG team over Rishabh Pant’s bat in IPL 2025. After spending a lot of money on the Indian wicketkeeper, manager Langer wanted Pant to bat in the top three, believing that his attacking style would allow him to dominate the innings.
Zaheer Khan leaves LSG over disagreement over Rishabh Pant’s batting position
LSG’s head coach wanted the left-handed hitter to “step up and play more.” However, Zaheer was adamant that Nicholas Pooran deserves the No. 3 spot and argued that given the consistency of the West Indies slugger, he is a better choice than Pant in this position.
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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain was presented with the option of batting higher or lower, and chose to move down the batting order, which reportedly affected his rhythm and confidence. Pooran himself then offered to lower his ranking, but Zaheer refused to compromise.
The coach was adamant that Pooran would win the batting title as No. 3. Sources said the drama had a direct impact on Pant’s form and created tension between him and the team management. Langer clearly understood the team’s expectations for Punt.
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Justin Langer and Zaheer Khan weren’t on the same page.. https://t.co/LHSkug2R4o pic.twitter.com/8tUCf1sHww— Harshit🕷 (@I_am_Harshit_17) October 16, 2025
Zaheer Khan denies role change for Lucknow Super Giants
LSG’s coach believed Pant would be more effective at number three, and that’s where all the disagreements started. Midway through the season, the management agreed to promote Pant and Ayush Badni and use Pooran as a finisher, a move Zaheer opposed even at a time when the team was struggling to win games last season.
In the season review, Langer’s strategy won the support of the LSG team management and owner, but Zaheer’s claims were wide of the mark. The former Indian fast bowler was offered a revised role but declined, leading to his exit from the IPL side.
Lack of coordination and communication between Langer and Zaheer played a key role in the team’s poor performance in IPL 2025. Despite a strong start, the team only won one of their last six matches and finished seventh in the points table.
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Kane Williamson joins LSG as strategic advisor ahead of IPL 2026
In a surprising development, New Zealand star Kane Williamson has joined Lucknow Super Giants as a strategic advisor. However, he will not participate in the match and will mainly be a member of the team. LSG captain Pant is said to have likely been informed about Williamson’s deal.
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain brings immense experience, leadership and cricketing intelligence to the team. Williamson has previously proven his ability to coach a team, leading New Zealand in a variety of formats and even taking over as SRH captain in David Warner’s absence.
Having him around Lucknow Super Giants will bring stability and leadership to the players and provide guidance on and off the field.