Former Indian bowling legend Zaheer Khan gave a start to much-awaited Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) game by sounding the ceremonial bell at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, April 8. Zaheer, India's best fast bowler has an incredible record of 610 international wickets, highest among left-arm Indian bowlers. He has been newly appointed as LSG's mentor for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gautam Gambhir was the mentor of the team in 2022 and 2023 in the past, but after his transition to KKR, LSG did not have that role last season, which was their first failure to qualify for the playoffs.

ALSO READ: “Ab Lucknowi Andaaz Mein!” – LSG Fans Celebrate After a Crazy Win Over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025

The bell-ringing ceremony in Eden Gardens began in 2016 when cricket legend Kapil Dev rang the bell prior to a Test against New Zealand. The idea was floated by former CAB President Sourav Ganguly, who had taken inspiration from the legendary tradition at Lord's Cricket Ground. Ever since, it has been a symbolic initiation to big matches in the stadium.

Iconic moment at an iconic venue 🏟️#LSG mentor Zaheer Khan rang the bell at the Eden Gardens to kickstart the #KKRvLSG contest 🔔

Updates ▶ https://t.co/3bQPKnxnJs#TATAIPL | @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/X7SJliCnKs

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025

LSG Openers Take Control Early

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane decided to bowl first in the day game. LSG batsmen capitalized on the chance, with Aiden Markram unleashing a barrage of forceful shots in the early overs. Mitchell Marsh was cautious in the beginning but started to pick up pace as he settled in.

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Harshit Rana's start was a struggle, with 16 runs and a boundary off the beginning of his next. But he came back well to get Markram out on a canny slower ball that exploited his vulnerability in the 11th over.Despite that, LSG was in a strong position with 99 runs on the board and power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and David Miller still waiting to bat, aiming to set a challenging total for the home side.

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has raised concerns about the pitch at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium stating that it did not support the domiciliary side, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). “In the IPL, you've seen how teams have looked at taking a little bit of home advantage. So from that point of view, you've seen that the curator is not really thinking that it’s a home game. I think maybe it looked like it was a Punjab curator out here,” said Zaheer.

His statement suggests that ground LSG was playing at was more beneficial to the visiting side. Indian Premier League (IPL) is heavily dependent on home games because most franchisees construct the pitches at their will.

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Zaheer Khan said, "you've seen teams have a home advantage in the IPL. The curator is not thinking that it's a home game, it looked like it was a Punjab curator out here in Lucknow". pic.twitter.com/61yQ5cQmhI

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 2, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025 : Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings Match Highlights

However, The Lucknow track has been under the microscope for some time and was even referred to by LSG captain KL Rahul as the subject of his worries. Zaheer’s mention of a “Punjab curator” has fueled speculation about pitch preparation. The audience and reporters have responded differently- some are siding with him while rest are saying neutral surfaces guarantee fair play.

If LSG continues to struggle at home pitch, these arguments will go on forever. The franchise needs to liaise with the ground staff if they want to ensure the pitch warrants their playing style.

Zaheer Khan, an ex-Indian cricketer, recently revealed that MS Dhoni has a crazy fan following, likening it to "As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums because of the love fans have for him." This followed after a reporter asked him to give suggestions to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) supporters to transform the team’s home ground into a “blue sea” in the presence of CSK

MS Dhoni is single-handedly responsible for the Indian Premier League (IPL) being a success. A massive sporting audience will always appear to support CSK as long as the team continues to wear their yellow jersey. CSK fans always make sure that there is a bustling atmosphere, not only in Chennai but also in away games in places like Mumbai, Delhi, and even Kolkata. Predict this was the case in earlier years; it is certain the further we progress into Dhoni's career, this is bound to happen.

Reporter: "We want to see a blue sea at Lucknow when CSK will be there."

Zaheer: "As long as MS Dhoni is around, yellow will dominate all the stadiums because of the love fans have for him." 💛@MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/NCiFMtH6Zq

— DHONI Trends™ (@TrendsDhoni) March 19, 2025

Also Read: IPL Stars Who Failed in International Cricket:Players Who Couldn't Replicate Their Success

Zaheer Khan, who is now part of LSG, smiled when relishing the fact that CSK has so many die-hard Dhoni fans. His quote was essentially accepting that for a long time, the legend cricketer’s impact was sustained, which proved that, without doubt, Dhoni has one of the unparalleled fanbases in the sporting world.

With CSK all set to visit Lucknow, the Super Giants management and supporters would love for their stadium to bulge with blue outfits. But as history always narrates, every time Dhoni plays, thousands of CSK fans show up in support, which makes every single stadium take the shape of a home game for Chennai.

The way the IPL 2025 season is progressing, one thing is for sure: MS Dhoni's fan following is still intact, and the “yellow army” will not refrain from following their captain irrespective of where he plays. 

LSG fast bowler Mayank Yadav is on doubt radars to be participate in the first half of Ipl which is going to start by March 22. Every franchise is gearing up with their teams as just two weeks time only left for the IPL tournament. In this mean time LSG camp is set to miss their premium fast bowler Mayank Yadav who was bought for 20 Lakhs at his base price in 2023. Though he was bought way earlier in 2022.

Due to his prolonged hamstring injury delaying his debut, he was bought back by Lucknow in 2023 for his base price and he made his dream debut of IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings. He just didn't debut it was a dream start for him who took 3 wickets for 27 runs and also bowled the fastest bowl of the season 155.8 kmph

Read more: Champions Trophy Celebrations Turned Into Clash In Madhya Pradesh Mhow

Injury Concerned Prolonged More

Mayank Yadav had a good debut which was no more than a good start but it did not prolong much he played only 4 matches of that season and was sidelined due to a lingering side strain in the last two matches he played. Despite the rehab, he was injured again in that process which made him delayed back in Ipl. 

Despite this, he was fast-tracked and made his T20 debut for India against Bangladesh.  In that series, he was found to carry another injury which caused him to immediate rehab recovery, though details of the injury were not shared by BCCI officials it was regulated that Mayank had caught up with a lower back injury in his left side. LSG director Zaheer Khan stated that they are closely monitoring Mayank Yadav's injury and are in no mood to bring him back nearby. 

Mayank Yadav Retained by Huge Price

Mayank Yadav is in Banglore now where he is being closely monitored as described the multiple injuries are prolonged given the advised break, it was early mentioned that he would be fit at the start of the IPL but Zaheer is in no mood to bring back Mayank as early, he says we want Mayank to be on field as he is one of our premium and important member and I didn't want an 100% fit Mayank, but want him to be 150% fit. 

Read more: Micheal Vaughan Praises Team India's White Ball Dominance Stating Them Best In The World

Though despite of his injury concerns he has been retained by LSG at a whopping price of 11 crore making him the highest bid among the uncapped players. He has earned this amount due to his maintaining pace of 150. Mayank Yadav may be available for later part of IPL which is not officiated yet by the franchise or by BCCI. 

Former India player Yuvraj Singh shared a special birthday video for his 2011 ODI World Cup teammate Zaheer Khan, with a unique Marathi touch that made headlines among fans on social media. As Zaheer Khan turned 46, Yuvraj Singh’s heartfelt birthday wish showed their close friendship and Zaheer Khan's contribution to Indian cricket too.

Yuvraj Singh, known for his jolly nature, selected the popular Marathi song "Taamdi Chaamdi" for the video, which also added excitement to the post. The gesture, filled with humour and nostalgia, hit the right chord with fans as well.

Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan played a key role in India's World Cup win

"Happy birthday cookie...Monster, hope you aren’t stealing someone’s cookies on your birthday. Loads of love brother! Hope you have an amazing and blessed year ahead," Yuvraj's post read.

Happy birthday cookie 🍪 monster 👹 hope you aren’t stealing someone’s cookies on your birthday 🤪 loads of love brother! Hope you have an amazing and blessed year ahead ❤️🤗 @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/udep2enfdS

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 7, 2024

However, both Yuvraj and Zaheer played vital cogs in India's success across formats during their playing days as well, especially in their role in winning the 2011 World Cup. Yuvraj’s performances with both bat and ball were important during that tournament, while Zaheer Khan’s expertise with the ball in the powerplays and death overs helped the team win their second ODI World Cup title as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

Zaheer Khan tasted success in his career

Zaheer Khan, a key player in Indian cricket, was known for his reverse swing and the ability to adapt across all conditions. He played 92 Test matches for India, picking up an impressive 311 wickets. His stellar shows in ODIs were equally impressive, taking 282 wickets in 200 matches as well. Though he had fewer appearances in T20Is, he claimed 17 wickets in just as many matches as well.

Now, he is in the role of coaching and has recently been appointed as a mentor by Indian Premier League (IPL) side Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming 2025 season as well.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore team led by Faf du Plessis had a rough start to the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The team has lost three times and won two times in the competition’s five matches thus far. The remainder of the batting order has not had an impact, despite the tournament’s excellent performances by their top order.

Regarding the same, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan  brought up a significant flaw in the team’s batting lineup

The 44-year-old argued that the issues might persist throughout the tournament if Dinesh Karthik does not regain his form.

“The way Faf and Max batted, especially with Virat Kohli getting dismissed early, we understood the pressure they were under. In the middle order or to finish, if Dinesh Karthik cannot perform like the way he used to play previously, then these issues will persist all season long as the rest of them are inexperienced,”

Zaheer Khan told JioCinema.

His batting usually goes this way: Parthiv Patel on Devon Conway

In Chennai Super Lords’ new game against Bangalore, Devon Conway was quite possibly the best entertainer in the match. Batting first, the four-time champions posted an incredible 226 sudden spikes in demand for the load up, and Conway’s commitment (83 off 45) in the principal innings was critical for the guests.

“His batting usually goes this way, he takes some time to settle in at the start but after that, if he plays, he plays for a long time. You need a batter that can score 83 runs on 45 balls and someone who plays on one end for 14-15 overs and maintain the strike rate. We spoke about his lack of contribution on this front prior to the game but whenever he has contributed, he has put CSK in a winning position, which is why they persist with him.” 

Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel came forward to heap praise on Conway’s performance, and said.

The Indian cricket team stands level 1-1 with Australia after the initial two ODIs of the 3-match series. After the hosts won the first one-day international, the tourists won the second game with a resounding victory. India’s chase for 189 runs in the first match was led by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, but in the second match, the team was all out for 117 while batting first. Former pacer Zaheer Khan acknowledged that the top order has hindered the Indian batsmen’s ability to build with the bat in both matches.

In the second ODI, Australia chased down the target of 118 runs without losing a single wicket, and even Indian bowlers struggled. However, Zaheer believes that batters are more to blame than bowlers

Zaheer was asked on Cricbuzz whether including Umran Malik in the team would help the Indian bowling team. He completely rejected such a change to be made.

“You look at the first match score, you got the team all-out for 188. Today you didn’t have a chance of making any impact because your batters didn’t really step up and got you to that platform. I think it’s all about providing that kind of platform. I won’t go too much into what bowlers have done wrong. They’ve played their part in the first match,”

he said. 

After that, Zaheer brought the Indian top order into the spotlight and stated that the team has struggled because the players have failed to fire in the first ten overs.

“The last two games that has happened you clearly know where the issue is. The issue is first 10 overs, with the bat in hand what are you doing with it? You are not really setting the platform for your middle-order. “

With eight scalps to his name, Mitchell Starc leads the series in wicket taking. According to Zaheer, the Indian batters have had a difficult time facing the Australian speedster.

“How Mitchell Starc has done that with new ball, which is providing platform to the next bowlers to come and continue with that pressure. So similarly when you’re losing wickets, the pressure is already formed on the next batter to come and deal with the best bowler. How can you negate that, how can you avoid that kind of a situation is going to be the challenge. That’s why all answers in the series are lying with the batters. And they need to regroup, they need to come with solutions, they need to plan and if they are able to provide with the platform then your bowlers will step up,”

said Zaheer