Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to appoint former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their mentor ahead of the upcoming mega-auction.

The appointment marks his return to the IPL fold after two years. Khan was previously associated with Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2018-2022.

The official announcement will be made during a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday (August 28).

"Zaheer has been appointed as team mentor and the unveiling will happen later today," sources told news agency PTI.

The position of LSG team mentor was left vacant by former opener Gautam Gambhir, who went to join Kolkata (KKR) earlier this year before becoming India’s new head coach.

During his tenure with MI, Zaheer first served as the director of cricket and then took the role of head of global development.

The Super Giants do not have a bowling coach following the departure of Proteas legend Morne Morkel, who has joined the Gambhir-led Indian coaching staff.

As per the report, Zaheer will also be involved in scouting and player-development programme at LSG during the off season.

Before his coaching career, Zaheer represented MI, RCB and Delhi-based franchises in the IPL. The left-arm quick appeared in 100 matches over 100 seasons, picking up 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58.

Zaheer Khan’s inclusion will bolster LSG’s star-studded coaching staff. They have former Australian opener Justin Langer as head coach while Lance Klusener and Adam Voges are part of the side as assistant coach and consultant, respectively.

(With PTI Inputs)