Former Australia head coach Justin Langer expressed admiration for the Indian Premier League (IPL), likening it to the Olympic Games where each match is a spectacle. Recently appointed as the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, Langer shared his perspective on the significance of the IPL. The Lucknow-based franchise made a managerial shift, parting ways with figures like Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir.
“The IPL is like the Olympic Games. It is so big. Every game is a spectacle, it is so well received, it is so well supported, not just at the stadiums, all through India and around the world. To have the opportunity to be a part of that is something I am very, very excited about,” said Langer on a video uploaded by the LSG.
Having secured T20 World Cup triumph with Australia and Big Bash success, Langer disclosed engaging conversations about the IPL with cricket luminaries Ricky Ponting and Tom Moody. Langer, known for his no-nonsense approach, assumed the leadership of the Australian team in the aftermath of the infamous Sandpaper Gate in 2018.
“Having sat with Ricky for so long and he talked about his time with the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. How much he loves the tournament. And Tom Moody, one of my best friends, he’s been so involved in the IPL and just to hear them talking about it,” he added.
During his tenure, he successfully rebuilt trust with the Australian public, leading the team to victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, differences in coaching style led to his departure despite a compelling 4-0 Ashes win against England.
After Langer’s exit, Australia won the WTC 2023 and the ODI World Cup under the guidance of Andrew McDonald. The coaching transitions reflect the dynamic nature of cricket leadership, with Langer now poised for a new chapter with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
