The IPL 2024 is approaching, with the season opener to be played between CSK and RCB. Each IPL season brings new opportunities, including for the new Lucknow Super Giants franchise. Despite falling in the Eliminator twice in their brief two-year IPL history.
Lucknow's newly appointed head coach and former Australia batsman Justin Langer has outlined his plans to guide captain KL Rahul and the franchise to greater heights of success.
Langer spoke to Ricky Ponting this morning. He was impressed with the wealth of young talent in India. Ponting was confident that India's current head coach, Rahul Dravid, would relish the opportunity to lead such a talented side,
“Rahul is one of the finest people I’ve known in cricket. He must be thrilled to coach the Indian team brimming with so much talent.”
Langer was successful as head coach of the Australian National Team during his previous stint. He led them to retain the Ashes and win the 2021 T20 World Cup, taking over during the turmoil that followed the sandpaper scandal.
Rahul Dravid has been the head coach of the Indian cricket team for almost two and a half years. Throughout his tenure, the team has faced difficulties in important matches such as the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals, and the 2023 World Test Championship final. Dravid's position has been subject to scrutiny in the past, with rumours that India may look beyond its domestic coaching pool and potentially hire someone like Justin Langer. Dravid's contract is set to expire after the 2024 T20 World Cup; if India fails to perform well in that tournament, it could jeopardise his future as head coach.
Langer was the coach of Perth Scorchers to three Big Bash League titles. When Lucknow Super Giants open their 2024 IPL campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, he will be looking to replicate that success.