Legendary Zaheer Khan came up with an epic reply when asked about whether he has any aspirations to become India's head coach in future. Zaheer Khan, a name synonymous with masterful fast bowling in Indian cricket, currently lends his invaluable experience to Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor. His presence has proven to be a advantage for the IPL franchise, as they leverage his expertise to nurture both their emerging talents and seasoned campaigners. A pivotal figure in India's 2011 World Cup title triumph, Zaheer spearheaded the pace attack, impressively claiming 21 wickets in just nine matches. His remarkable contributions to the sport were further recognised in 2011 when he was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award, India's second-highest sporting honor, by the President.
Recently, during an event held in Kolkata, the former cricketing icon engaged in a discussion where the topic of his potential future role as the coach of Team India arose. In a lighthearted and straightforward manner, Zaheer responded to the query by playfully asking the host how such a possibility could materialize if he hadn't even submitted an application for the position.
“Not by applying?,” Zaheer asked.
However, later Zaheer finally admitted that it would be an honour for him to coach India.
“Not by applying?,” Zaheer asked.
Looking ahead, the prospect of Zaheer Khan potentially taking on the role of head coach for Team India holds considerable promise. By then, his already substantial IPL experience will have further deepened, providing him with an even richer understanding of the contemporary cricketing landscape. His prior involvement with Mumbai Indians (MI) as Director of Cricket and Head of Global Development, coupled with his earlier tenure as their bowling coach where he played a crucial role in the emergence of Jasprit Bumrah, is enough to prove his coaching acumen. His move to LSG as a mentor in 2024 further enriches his coaching journey.
Talking about LSG's performance in the ongoing IPL 2025, they are currently positioned sixth in the standings, after notching two wins and as many defeats. This season marks a period of transition for the team, featuring a revamped squad and the introduction of Rishabh Pant as their new captain. Meanwhile, on the international stage, the Indian national cricket team is under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has already achieved massive success by leading India to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title triumph.