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Speaking to the media in Lucknow prior to the Indian Premier League season, former India fast bowler and coach of the Lucknow Super Giants Zaheer Khan faced a tricky question. The LSG mentor was questioned about whether the pattern of visiting teams, especially the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, garnering a lot of support at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium would alter in the 2025 Indian Premier League. The press room burst out laughing at his response.
Zaheer Khan on MS Dhoni effect
Lucknow has had a lot of home support at Ekana since its founding in 2022. But whenever the Chennai Super Kings have come to town, the stadium has frequently been a sea of yellow. When the Super Kings play in Lucknow on Monday, April 14, Zaheer Khan acknowledged that he would not be shocked if yellow shirts took over the audience once more.
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"As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums. It should be like that. He is loved by everyone. As long as he is playing, it will be like that," Zaheer said.
On April 14, Chennai Super Kings supporters flocked to the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium for their IPL 2024 match. Although KL Rahul guided Lucknow to victory, Dhoni mania dominated the environment. With a scorching 28 off just nine balls, the CSK legend wowed his supporters by hitting three boundaries and two sixes.
Dhoni is expected to return for the 2025 Indian Premier League, despite persistent rumours that he is retiring. During the Super Kings' preseason training in Chennai, the five-time champion skipper has been in fine form, sending a few into the stands. With superstar Rishabh Pant as their IPL 2025 captain, Lucknow will be trying to increase their fan base.
Zaheer on injury concerns in camp
In the LSG camp, Zaheer also shrugged down worries about injuries, stating that the Pant-led team is ready for anything. Due to injury, players like Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Avesh Khan are expected to miss the start of the 2025 Indian Premier League. But according to reports, Shivam Mavi and Shardul Thakur have been practising with the squad and might be selected as replacements.
"When you talk about the IPL, you know that uncertainties like these can arise. LSG's support staff is working with the pacers accordingly, and we have plans in place for the season. We have 24 players in the squad, and we know how to win matches," Zaheer said.
