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Former Australia opener and renowned coach, Justin Langer, recently shared insights into his decision to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the head coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
The transition came after LSG decided to revamp its team management, parting ways with figures like Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir. Langer, with an impressive coaching track record, was convinced to take on the new challenge by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka.
Justin Langer’s success in T20 franchise leagues
Langer brings a wealth of experience to LSG, having previously coached the Perth Scorchers to three Big Bash League (BBL) titles from 2012 to 2018. His success extends beyond franchise leagues, as he played a pivotal role in guiding the Australian cricket team through challenging times, culminating in an Ashes victory and the T20 World Cup triumph in 2021.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka’s convincing challenge to Langer
In a video posted by LSG on social media platform X, Langer revealed that he received a message from the LSG management, leading to a discussion about a potential job offer. He highlighted how owner Goenka presented him with a challenge that he hadn’t anticipated. The nature of the challenge and Goenka’s vision for the team played a significant role in convincing Langer to take on the role of head coach.
“Well, it was so funny because I was here in Perth and I received a text message asking me if I had any interest in coaching in the IPL. It was from Vinay, telling me that the owner Sanjiv was in London at the same time and would I be interested in having a coffee with him. And I thought ‘Well, I have got nothing to lose’ and I went and met the boss,” Langar said.
“From there, we had a very nice conversation. He is a really good sales man, the boss, because the last thing he said to me was ‘you know Justin, you have had a great playing career, you have had a very good coaching career until now. But, you can’t consider yourself a great coach until you have won the IPL.I was like ‘oh, good sales man skills. I like that boss, man. We had some conversations after that. We continue to have good conversations. I am thrilled to be the head coach of this franchise,” the 53-year-old added.
Justin Langer talks Lucknow, IPL, KL Rahul and lots more in his first interview as LSG Head Coach! 💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/boPtgANw8w
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 30, 2023
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Praise for LSG captain KL Rahul and Virat Kohli
In his conversation with the franchise, Langer also praised the qualities of LSG skipper KL Rahul and acknowledged the impact of Virat Kohli. Drawing from his experience as Australia‘s coach, Langer expressed admiration for the duo and their contributions to the game.
“When I was an Australian coach and we had a series against India, I never used to relax until Virat Kohli and KL Rahul got out. Because he’s (Rahul) so dangerous player and he’s such a beautiful elegant looking player,” the Perth-born cricketer concluded.
LSG captain KL Rahul did not perform at his peak during the recently concluded IPL season. He withdrew from the tournament midway due to an injury sustained in a clash against RCB. Rahul managed to score 274 runs, featuring two half-centuries, at an average of 34.25 in nine matches.