Key Highlights:
Kolkata, April 8, 2025 — Zaheer Khan, India’s celebrated left-arm pacer and current Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor, expressed his desire to take on the role of Team India coach if presented with the opportunity. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event in Kolkata, Zaheer responded to a question by senior journalist Boria Majumdar, stating:
“It would be an honour to coach Team India.”
The statement has reignited discussions around the future of India’s coaching setup, especially with speculation around post-2025 transitions in leadership roles.
Zaheer’s Rise: From ICC Knockout to India’s Fast-Bowling Flagbearer
Zaheer made his debut at the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy, where he instantly made headlines by bowling out Australian captain Steve Waugh with a sizzling yorker. That delivery marked the arrival of a fast bowler unlike any India had seen in decades—a left-arm quick with swing, seam, and serious pace.
In a career spanning over a decade:
- Test Matches: 92
- Test Wickets: 311
- ODIs and T20Is Combined: 299 wickets
- Total International Matches: 309
- Total International Wickets: 610
Zaheer became a lynchpin in India’s bowling attack, especially between 2002 and 2011. He was India’s highest wicket-taker in the 2011 ICC World Cup, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s historic triumph.
Post-Retirement Shift to Coaching and Mentorship
After retiring in 2017, Zaheer transitioned to coaching seamlessly. He served as the bowling coach for Mumbai Indians, helping the franchise sharpen its pace unit.
In 2024, he joined Lucknow Super Giants as a mentor, overseeing bowling strategy and talent grooming. Under his mentorship, young bowlers like Digvijay Rathi and Akash Deep have shown promise in IPL 2025.
His experience and technical acumen have earned praise across domestic and international platforms, making him a viable candidate for higher responsibilities.
Legacy in the IPL: The Quiet Veteran
Zaheer Khan’s IPL career was steady and impactful. Representing Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils, he played 100 matches, taking 102 wickets at an economy of 7.59—commendable for the tournament’s format and evolution.
Notably, he also captained Delhi Daredevils in his later years, nurturing younger Indian talent like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, long before they became India regulars.
India’s Coaching Future: Could Zaheer Be in the Mix?
With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach nearing its contractual end later this year, BCCI may be looking to groom or appoint successors. Given India’s increasing focus on split formats and fast bowling development, Zaheer’s profile fits multiple roles:
- Head Coach (Long-Term Succession Plan)
- Bowling Coach for Red and White Ball Formats
- Mentor/Technical Consultant for U19 and Emerging Tours
Zaheer’s calm presence, tactical depth, and rich experience as a former player and IPL coach give him a compelling edge.
What Sets Zaheer Apart as a Coaching Prospect
Unlike many former players, Zaheer’s post-retirement years have been fully immersed in cricket management and coaching:
- Tactical awareness across all three formats
- Success as IPL coach and mentor
- Deep understanding of fast-bowling workloads, a key BCCI focus
- Leadership and player development track record
Quote of the Day
“If I get the opportunity to coach India, it would be an absolute honour,” – Zaheer Khan, CII event, Kolkata
The Coach India May Need
Zaheer Khan’s readiness to serve Indian cricket in a coaching capacity is welcome news for fans and selectors alike. As BCCI plans ahead for the 2027 World Cup and evolving team dynamics, leaders like Zaheer—steeped in experience, humility, and success—may play a central role in shaping India’s future path.
For now, he remains firmly in the IPL spotlight, helping LSG pursue their maiden title. But in the months to come, don’t be surprised if Zaheer is called upon once again—this time, not with the ball in hand, but a blueprint for India’s cricketing legacy.
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