IPL 2025: Zaheer Khan Joins Lucknow Super Giants As Mentor
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has signed up with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He has filled in the shoes left vacant by the former captain of India and LSG’s mentor till 2023, Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir slipped into a similar role with KKR in IPL 2024 and currently is the head coach of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team. A Dual Role For Zaheer Khan Zaheer Khan brings loads of experience both as a player and in various coaching roles and will double up as the bowling coach following the departure of Morne Morkel, who joined Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. Asked about his bowling coach role during a media interaction, Zaheer did not confirm it but just smiled and said, “If I am there in the set-up, does the team need another bowling coach?“ Zaheer Khan’s IPL Resume Zaheer played his grossest season in the Indian Premier League back in the year 2008 for the Mumbai Indians and then for RCB and Daredevils amassing 102 wickets from 100 games at an economy of 7.58. Since his retirement from the game in the year 2017, he has gone on to serve the Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022 in the dual role of director of cricket and then head of global development. Building for the future With Justin Langer at the helm, along with his assistants Lance Klusener and Adam Voges, LSG is getting ready for the mega auction. Zaheer Khan is expected to play an important role in off-season scouting and player development as they build on an excellent start in the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction
In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options. One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: KL Rahul To Potentially Move From RCB To LSG
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its mega auction ahead of the 2025 season, the rumor mill is abuzz with speculations that could reshape the landscape of the tournament. One of the most intriguing whispers making the rounds is the potential move of KL Rahul from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Rahul’s Stint with LSG: A Rocky Ride KL Rahul’s journey with LSG has been marked by ups and downs. Despite his talent and leadership qualities, his tenure with the franchise has not been as smooth as expected. Reports of a strained relationship with the franchise owner had surfaced after a heated post-match discussion between the two went viral during IPL 2024 after KL Rahul and his LSG were put to the sword by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This tension, coupled with the team’s inconsistent performance, has led to speculation that Rahul might be seeking a fresh start. The RCB Connection: A Homecoming for Rahul? The prospect of KL Rahul returning to RCB has created a buzz among fans and analysts. Rahul, who has a strong connection with Bangalore, having played for the franchise earlier in his career, is seen as a perfect fit for RCB’s ambitions. His familiarity with the Chinnaswamy Stadium and the local fan base adds an emotional element to this potential move. Leadership at RCB: A New Era? If the move materializes, Rahul is likely to take over the captaincy from Faf du Plessis. While Du Plessis has led RCB to the playoffs two out of three times, his advancing age (40) might be a factor for the team management to consider a change in leadership. Rahul, with his experience of leading both LSG and Punjab Kings (PBKS), brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen to the table. Rahul’s Impact: A Power Move for RCB For RCB, acquiring KL Rahul would be a powerful move. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating the scoring rate makes him a valuable asset. Most importantly, Rahul’s leadership could provide the stability and strategic vision needed for RCB to finally secure their maiden IPL trophy. The IPL never ceases to surprise and the upcoming season promises to be no different. Whether KL Rahul dons the RCB jersey once again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, the IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with major potential player movements the buzz is on. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
KL Rahul’s ‘Dinner Date’ With Boss Sanjeev Goenka; Wife Athiya’s Cryptic Post – What’s Cooking at LSG?
KL Rahul’s wife and Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty‘s cryptic Instagram post got the attention of the cricket fraternity. Especially after what transpired between her husband and Lucknow Super Giants boss Sanjeev Goenka last week in Hyderabad . After LSG was hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 wickets, captain KL Rahul and owner Sanjeev Goenka were seen involved in an animated and what looked like a dressing down from a distance. While Goenka appeared animated, KL Rahul remained calm. Just after Athiya posted a photo on her Instagram story showing sunlight breaking through thick clouds onto the sea, captioning it, “The calm after the storm” KL Rahul was clicked hugging the LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka as the former was invited for a dinner at Goenka’s residence. WHAT WAS ON ATHIYA’S INSTAGRAM STORY?https://www.instagram.com/stories/athiyashetty/3367054376088753100?igsh=MW9jdWUwY2lieTR0ZQ== However the question remains, did the story seem to relate to the IPL incident that had gone viral recently? Or is it better to assume that it’s all well at the LSG camp? TWITTER REACTIONS THE CAPTAIN-OWNER SAGAThe discussion between KL Rahul and Sanjeev Goenka happened after the Lucknow Super Giants suffered a heavy defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 8 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. The video of their conversation quickly spread online and received criticism for lacking grace in handling the situation. Some also believed that Goenka, being an owner could have handled the situation better by having a chat in closed doors rather in the public and in front of hundreds of cameras leading to a massive sense of disagreement on the way the team owners have started treating their team members. It’s a straight shoot-out between the Lucknow Super Giants and the hosts Delhi Capitals. Only one team can head towards the playoffs after today’s game. But here’s the tricky part: Even a win by a massive margin for either of LSG and DC won’t guarantee a playoffs berth to both of them. However, if they lose, they’re definitely out of the tournament. With 12 points on the board, LSG must win today in Delhi and also needs to win their upcoming game in Mumbai to reach 16 points. At the same time, for LSG to qualify, CSK and SRH must not reach 16 points as both the teams have better net run rates than LSG. DO YOU KNOW THE OTHER TEAM OWNERS AT IPL 2024? TEAM TEAM OWNER OWNER BUSINESS Mumbai Indians Mukesh Ambani Reliance Industry Rajasthan Royals Manoj Badale Blenheim Chalcot Sunrisers Hyderabad Kalanithi Maran Sun TV Network Delhi Capitals Parth Jindal GMR Group and JSW Group Royal Challengers Bengaluru – United Spirits Ltd. Punjab Kings Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul – Chennai Super Kings N Srinivasan Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited & India Cements Kolkata Knight Riders Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla & Jay Mehta Red Chillies Entertainment & Mehta Group Lucknow Super Giants Dr Sanjiv Goenka RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Gujarat Titans – CVC Capital Partners There are rumors that KL Rahul would step down from the post of LSG Captain for the remainder of games in the ongoing IPL. After Athiya Shetty’s viral post, all is certainly not well, between the boss and the captain. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
