In a heartwarming reunion that has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, former India cricketer Zaheer Khan recently met an old fan after 20 years. This fan had famously held a ‘I love you Zaheer‘ placard during a Test match between India and Pakistan in 2005, a moment that became an iconic part of cricket history. The reunion took place as Zaheer joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir. This moment not only highlights the enduring connection between fans and their idols but also marks a new chapter in Zaheer’s career.

The viral moment of 2005

During the TVS Cup Test series in 2005, a fan’s bold declaration of love for Zaheer became a viral sensation. The fan, who has now been identified as the same person in the recent reunion, held a placard that read ‘I love you Zaheer.’ This act caught the attention of Zaheer’s teammate Yuvraj Singh, who couldn’t resist teasing him about it. In a playful gesture, Zaheer responded with a flying kiss, leaving the fan blushing and the crowd in stitches. This lighthearted moment showcased the camaraderie and humour that often accompanies sports events.

Cameraman made this moment a life time memory for her ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9azgmLM5KV

— Vijay (@veejuparmar) February 21, 2025

The Reunion: A moment of nostalgia for Zaheer Khan

Fast-forward to 2025, Zaheer joined the Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor, marking a significant shift in his career. As he arrived at the team’s setup, he was greeted by the same fan from 2005, who once again held up the ‘I love you Zaheer’ placard. The video of this reunion, shared by LSG on social media, has gone viral, bringing back memories of that iconic moment from two decades ago. Zaheer’s reaction to seeing the fan again was one of surprise and delight, highlighting the lasting impact fans can have on their favourite players.

Here’s the video:

Our love for Zak is constant 💙 pic.twitter.com/ZdgcFdiPtx

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 12, 2025

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Zaheer’s new role with LSG

Zaheer’s appointment as the mentor of LSG comes after Gautam Gambhir parted ways with the team to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2024. Gambhir later took on the role of India’s head coach after leading KKR to their third IPL title. Zaheer will also serve as the bowling coach for LSG, bringing his wealth of experience to the team. In a statement, Zaheer humorously questioned the need for another bowling coach, given his presence in the setup. This reflects his confidence in his abilities and his commitment to contributing to the team’s success.

LSG’s prospects in IPL 2025

As Zaheer joins LSG, the team is gearing up for IPL 2025 with high hopes. Rishabh Pant, who was acquired by the franchise for a record-breaking 27 crore, will lead the team. This move follows KL Rahul‘s decision to part ways with LSG. Despite a disappointing IPL 2024, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs, LSG is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season. Zaheer has praised the team’s consistent performances over the years and believes they have the potential to excel in the fiercely competitive IPL environment.

Zaheer is one of India’s most successful fast bowlers, known for his reverse swing and yorkers. He played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. With 610 wickets in 309 international matches, Zaheer remains a respected figure in the cricket world. His transition from a player to a mentor and bowling coach marks a new chapter in his career, where he will continue to influence the sport he loves.

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