Cricket

Zaheer Khan's Calm Demeanor to Benefit Lucknow Super Giants, Says Jonty RhodesFormer South African cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes has expressed his belief that Zaheer Khan's appointment as the franchise's mentor will significantly benefit the team. Rhodes highlighted Khan's calm demeanor and experience as key assets that will enhance the team's performance."Zaheer Khan will definitely bring the calmness in the team," Rhodes said. "Having someone like Zak around will be of great help for the franchise. The team meetings, selections meetings, franchise meetings with owners, you need a calm head because the tournament goes up and down as per results. You need that support and consistency."Rhodes emphasized the importance of Khan's presence in maintaining a stable environment within the team, especially during challenging times. "The team is no longer a brand new franchise; it has been around for three years now, so obviously the pressure is there to perform," he said. "We need to achieve what we plan, to reach the playoffs. We haven't reached the final yet, so with Zak and his calmness, I think it will be very important for the franchise."Khan's technical expertise and bowling experience will also be invaluable to the team, according to Rhodes. "With the technique and bowling experience that he carries, he will benefit the franchise," he said.Khan joins LSG's coaching staff, which includes Justin Langer as head coach, along with assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Adam Voges. The team is currently without a bowling coach after Morne Morkel left the role to take up the same position with the Indian team.In the IPL 2024 season, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the points table with seven wins and seven losses. The team will be hoping to improve its performance in the upcoming season with the guidance of Khan and the rest of the coaching staff.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a renewed determination to capture the coveted title. The team has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of legendary pacer Zaheer Khan as a mentor.LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasized the importance of having an Indian mind in the support staff to maximize the potential of the players. He believes that Zaheer's unwavering desire to win and his experience as a player will be invaluable assets to the team.Goenka expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance in the previous season, citing a lack of experienced decision-making. He believes that Zaheer's role will be crucial in addressing this issue and guiding the team towards success.Goenka also highlighted the importance of experience in the team, drawing lessons from the Rising Pune Supergiants' journey to the IPL final in 2017. He believes that the team's lack of experience at the time ultimately cost them the title.With Zaheer's addition to the support staff, LSG aims to create a balanced team with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team is confident that these changes will propel them towards their ultimate goal of winning the IPL championship.

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My 'Guru' and the Architect of My DreamsIndian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has expressed his profound admiration for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, describing him as his "guru" and sharing anecdotes that illuminate their exceptional bond.In a candid conversation with Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel, who made his ODI debut in the 2018 Asia Cup, recalled a cherished moment when Dhoni, captaining the team in Rohit Sharma's absence, entrusted him with bowling the first over against Afghanistan."Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru," Khaleel emphasized, revealing a deep respect that transcends typical teammate dynamics. He explained how this gesture fulfilled a childhood dream, inspired by watching his idol Zaheer Khan open the bowling for India."Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi bhai asked me to bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time he might change his mind," Khaleel confessed, stressing the significance of the moment and the immense trust Dhoni placed in him.Khaleel also shared the story behind a viral photo of him receiving flowers from Dhoni. The incident took place during India's tour of New Zealand, where Dhoni gifted him flowers he had received from fans."We were in New Zealand, Mahi bhai's fans had given him flowers, he passed it onto me and some fans took a photo, it was quite memorable for me," the pacer added.Dhoni, who last played in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings, continues to be revered for his leadership qualities and his ability to nurture talent. While his future in IPL remains uncertain, his legacy as a captain and mentor continues to inspire a generation of cricketers.

Jhulan Goswami, the legendary Indian fast bowler, has joined Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) as a mentor for the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024. This marks Goswami's first overseas T20 league stint and a significant addition to the TKR Women's team.Goswami, who retired from international cricket in 2022 as India's leading wicket-taker, expressed her honor at joining TKR. She praised the franchise's success and reputation, stating, "Knight Riders have done so well in India and around the world, and to join TKR Women at the WCPL is a pleasure."TKR, led by former West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin, has assembled a formidable roster for WCPL 2024. The team includes Indian stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey, as well as Australian stalwarts Meg Lanning and Jess Jonassen.Goswami's appointment as mentor is expected to provide invaluable guidance and support to the young players in the TKR Women's team. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having played at the highest level for over two decades."The conversation about me joining TKR started with Mr. Venky Mysore [CEO of Knight Riders group]," Goswami revealed. "As a management head, the way he takes care of everyone is amazing. I felt really honored by the way both Shah Rukh Khan and Venky sir welcomed me and spoke to me when we met in Kolkata during the IPL."TKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his delight at Goswami's signing, saying, "Jhulan Goswami is an absolute legend of the game, and we are very happy to have her on board as the mentor of the TKR Women's team. We strongly believe that under Jhulan's mentorship, the team will reach greater heights."WCPL 2024 will take place from August 21 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The tournament will feature three teams - TKR, defending champions Barbados Royals, and Guyana Amazon Warriors - competing in seven matches.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 victory. As the team's mentor, Gambhir orchestrated a remarkable transformation, guiding KKR to their third IPL title after a decade-long drought.Gambhir's unwavering determination to bring glory to KKR was evident from the moment he joined the franchise. His mission was clear: to lead the team to its third IPL triumph. And he delivered.The joy of the KKR team after their IPL 2024 triumph was palpable. Even co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, a constant presence throughout the tournament, expressed his elation. In a heartwarming gesture, Khan invited Gambhir to join him on the dance floor, an offer that the latter politely declined.In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed his dance prospects after KKR's victory. With characteristic wit, he quipped, "You're asking the wrong person. I can neither dance nor sing. But I can certainly watch others dance and enjoy it. I did just that. Shah Rukh bhai has been incredibly successful in his life and will continue to be. But there's one area where he's unsuccessful: he couldn't make me dance. I believe he'll continue to be unsuccessful in this regard because I simply can't dance or sing."Despite his reluctance to dance, Gambhir's leadership and strategic acumen have earned him widespread praise. Reports suggest that he is a frontrunner for the post of Indian cricket team coach. However, in a recent interview, he hinted at a different path.When asked about KKR's status as a "trophy-winning dressing room," Gambhir said, "Today, you say this because we've won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we're still two trophies behind MI and CSK. I'm content today, but that hunger remains. We're not the most successful team in the IPL yet. To achieve that, we need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There's no greater feeling for me. But the journey has just begun."As the official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach has passed, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will pursue this opportunity or continue his mission with KKR. Regardless of his decision, his legacy as a transformative leader in the IPL is secure.