The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are likely to part ways with mentor Zaheer Khan ahead of the upcoming edition of the IPL 2026.

His one-year contract with the franchise ended this month. Lucknow franchise will sign a new mentor and will give them a ‘bigger role’ in their sister franchises in other competitions – Durban’s Super Giants in South Africa (SA20) and the Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

The report added the LSG will also announce a new Director of Cricket to oversee the ‘year-round development’ of the entire LSG group.

Zaheer had replaced Gautam Gambhir in the mentor role after the latter moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023.

The former India pacer was also the bowling coach since Morne Morkel’s exit, who left his role to work alongside Gambhir and the India men’s cricket team in 2024.

“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,” said a source in the report.

Recently, the former India and KKR bowling coach, Bharat Arun has been appointed as the bowling coach for Lucknow Super Giants.

“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,” added the source.

Lucknow had an underwhelming season finishing in seventh position with six wins from 14 games.

In a statement, Bharat Arun, who’d join the coaching staff led by Justin Langer, had said his aim was to help shape LSG into a ‘cohesive and tactically sharp’ unit.

“It’s an honour to be part of Lucknow Super Giants, a franchise that radiates vision, ambition, and professionalism. My discussions with Dr. Sanjiv Goenka and the team management have been highly motivating.”

“There is a clear commitment to nurturing young Indian talent and building a long-term cricketing legacy.” he said.

He specifically highlighted the team’s young pace batter, including promising names like Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Singh.

“There’s huge potential in this group. My aim is to develop a confident, sharp, and world-class pace unit that can go toe-to-toe with any batting lineup in global cricket,” he added.