Abhishek Mishra in Lucknow
As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) gear up for the IPL 2025 season, the LSG mentor, Zaheer Khan, shared his insights on the team preparations, injuries, Rishabh Pant’s leadership and the competition ahead.
Injuries to key pacers and LSG’s bowling strategy
One of the biggest talking points this IPL season around the LSG team is the injury concerns surrounding LSG’s fast bowling unit. When asked about the absence of certain pacers, Zaheer clarified, “We don’t have those players in camp; they’re at the NCA. We focus on the 24 players in our squad and pick the best XI to play with enthusiasm.
Mayank Yadav’s Pace: A Double-Edged Sword?
When asked about Mayank Yadav’s approach, given his high pace and injury concerns, Zaheer said there was no one-size-fits-all solution. “You have to go with your strengths,” he said. “What I did in my career was suited to my bowling style. The key is to get the right technical advice and control things accordingly.”
Pant the leader
However, Zaheer quickly shifted the focus to LSG’s combined goals and highlighted Pant’s leadership qualities, saying, “If you want to talk about injuries, then look at Rishabh Pant. He faced serious setbacks so he understands how to tackle bigger challenges. He’s a fearless leader, and LSG as a team will reflect that fearless mindset on the field too in this season.”
LSG’s biggest rival in IPL 2025?
Nicholas Pooran recently called Royal Challengers Benguluru (RCB) LSG’s biggest rival, but Zaheer had a different perspective. “If you play to your potential, you can defeat any team,” he said. “LSG will approach the season with that mindset.”
Pant’s unorthodox batting style: a strength not a weakness
Pant’s unorthodox batting style has often been debated, with people questioning his shot selection in crucial moments. Zaheer, however, backed his natural gameplay.
“This is how he plays, and we want to see him continue playing and leading fearlessly,” he said with a laugh.
Potential Role for Rajvardhan Hangargekar
With key pacers injured, young Rajvardhan Hangargekar has been seen practicing yorkers under Zaheer’s special guidance. However, the former India pacer kept his cards close to his chest. “We selected players with specific roles, and if the situation demands, they should be ready to step up,” he explained.
Mohsin Khan’s Match Readiness
When asked about Mohsin Khan’s availability, Zaheer remained cautious. “Situations are dynamic,” he said. “Some players are here in the camp, while others are not. It’s too early to comment.”
Squad Composition, Replacements, and Impact Player
When asked about LSG’s playing XI and combinations, Zaheer kept his cards close to his chest. “A good team combination is the one that wins you matches,” he said. “You’ll know our playing combination soon before the first match.
On Ayush Badoni’s role
“We retained him for a reason,” said Zaheer. “He had a good domestic season and has contributed in the past.”
When Zaheer was asked about the possibility of announcing Shardul Thakur or Shivam Mavi as a replacement for injured or unfit pacers, he said, “If there’s any announcement, we’ll let everyone know if anything happens like that.”
The MS Dhoni factor in Lucknow
LSG’s home game against the Chennai Super Kings always witnessed the stadium painted in yellow due to MS Dhoni’s massive fan following. When asked about increasing home support against CSK, Zaheer acknowledged Dhoni’s unmatched popularity. “As long as Dhoni is playing, you’ll see yellow dominating in Lucknow,” said his 2011 World Cup-winning teammate. “The love and affection people have for him is inevitable.”
However, Zaheer expressed confidence that Pant could build a similar connection with fans over time. “MSD is a hero to Rishabh, and Pant will carry things forward,” said Zaheer. “Soon, we will see fans cheering for him the same way they do for Dhoni.”
The post Injuries, Uncertainties, and Squad Depth: LSG’s Mentor Zaheer Khan Opens Up on Team’s Plans and Rishabh Pant’s Fearless Approach appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.
