IPL 2026: Zaheer Khan Quits LSG After Fallout, Kane Williamson Joins as Strategic Advisor

Zaheer Khan quit as LSG’s mentor after one year because he disagreed with coach Justin Langer about where Rishabh Pant should bat.LSG had bought Pant for ₹27 crore in the IPL2025 mega auction, but soon tensions began behind the scenes.

Zaheer Khan Leaves LSG Over Rishabh Pant’s Batting Position

The main tension was about Rishab Pant's batting position in IPL 2025. Langer wanted him to play on 2nd down for his aggressive batting, but Zaheer felt Pooran should bat at No. 3 in order. Because he was more consistent than Rishab Pant after injury. Pant batted in the lower order, which lost his confidence. Pooran said to move down the middle order, but Zaheer didn’t agree with Langer's words.

In the middle of the IPL 2025 season, the LSG team said to Pant and Ayush Badoni to play in the batting order and made Pooran a finisher. Zaheer did not agree with these decisions. He was offered a new role, but He denied and he decided to leave the LSG team. Poor communication and disagreements with Langer also affected the team’s performance, and LSG finished in seventh place; they only won one of their last six matches in the IPL 2025.

Kane Williamson Joins LSG as Strategic Advisor

For IPL 2026, Kane Williamson has joined LSG as a strategic advisor for the LSG team. He won’t play in matches but will guide the players with his experience and skills to perform well in the IPL 2026. His leadership, from captaining New Zealand and Sunrisers Hyderabad, is expected to help the LSG team. Pant was informed about Williamson’s role, showing LSG wants to support its key players and back the players with full of confidence.

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