Justin Langer, the former Australian head coach, recently shared insights into his conversation with Sanjiv Goenka, the principal owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which led to his decision to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a head coach. Langer, who has achieved considerable success in various formats but is yet to coach in the IPL, is set to embark on a new journey with LSG in the 2024 season.
The Lucknow Super Giants, after deciding not to renew Andy Flower's contract, chose Langer to helm the team for the upcoming season. This appointment comes with high expectations, as Flower, the ex-Zimbabwe captain, successfully guided LSG to the playoffs in their first two seasons. Langer's appointment signifies a new era for the team, with hopes of building on the solid foundation laid by Flower.
Langer, renowned for his coaching prowess, has a track record of success in T20 franchise leagues. His notable achievements include leading the Perth Scorchers to three Big Bash League titles between 2012 and 2018. Following this, he took charge of the Australian cricket team during a challenging period post the ball-tampering scandal. Under his guidance, Australia clinched the Ashes and won the T20 World Cup in 2021, showcasing his strategic and leadership skills.
Recounting the pivotal conversation with Goenka, Langer revealed that it was a message from the LSG management that initiated their discussion. During their meeting, Goenka presented Langer with an unexpected challenge that ultimately convinced him to accept 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 narrated.
"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," Langer added.
Langer’s primary task will be to work closely with team captain KL Rahul, aiming to strengthen LSG’s presence in the IPL and forge a deeper connection with its fan base, particularly in North India and its home city, Lucknow.
"My vision for the Lucknow Super Giants is very, very similar to what I have with the Perth Scorchers and what I had with the Australian cricket team. It's not only to win games of cricket, that's the business we're in, to win tournaments and all that. But it's much bigger than that. It's about embracing the Lucknow fans and embracing our support group and building our support group, so that our fans come in to watch and make fans putting on the Lucknow shirt," Langer said.
As Langer steps into this new role, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, poised to shape the Super Giants' future in the highly competitive world of IPL cricket.
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