Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced the appointment of Justin Langer as their new head coach for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Langer replaces Andy Flower, who had served as the head coach of the franchise since its inception in 2022. The decision to not renew Flower’s contract was made by LSG management at the end of his two-year term.
In a statement released by the franchise, Langer expressed his enthusiasm about joining Lucknow Super Giants and being a part of their journey in the IPL. Although Langer has never held a coaching role in the IPL, he brings a wealth of experience as a coach in T20 cricket. He previously led the Perth Scorchers to three Big Bash League titles and was the head coach when Australia clinched their first T20 World Cup in 2021 in the UAE. Langer stepped down as Australia’s head coach in early 2022 after declining a short-term extension offer.
Interestingly, Langer has a previous association with Gautam Gambhir, the director of cricket at Lucknow Super Giants. Their connection dates back to 2014 when Gambhir, captaining the Kolkata Knight Riders, and Langer, coaching the Perth Scorchers, had a casual chat on the sidelines of the Champions League T20. A year later, Gambhir sought Langer’s mentorship during a fortnight-long stint in Perth, focusing on technical adjustments and mental toughness training through mixed martial arts and gymnastics.
Langer was impressed with Gambhir’s commitment to improving his game at that stage of his career. Gambhir, who had achieved success with KKR in the IPL and played a crucial role in India’s two world title victories, left a lasting impression on Langer. This prior connection between Langer and Gambhir could prove valuable in their collaboration at Lucknow Super Giants.
Under Flower’s guidance, Lucknow Super Giants performed well in their first two seasons. In 2022, they finished third in the IPL standings, and in 2023, they reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the Eliminator. Flower had closely worked with Gambhir during his tenure, contributing to the team’s progress.
Flower’s association with Australian cricket continues, as he currently serves in a consultancy role with the Australian team for the men’s Ashes series.
With the arrival of Justin Langer, Lucknow Super Giants aim to strengthen their coaching setup and build upon their past achievements in the IPL. Langer’s experience in T20 cricket and his previous successful coaching stints make him a valuable addition to the team. The franchise and its fans will be eagerly looking forward to the upcoming IPL season under Langer’s leadership as they strive to make their mark in the tournament
