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Justin Langer (Source: Twitter)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday, July 14 appointed former Australian cricketer Justin Langer as their head coach after parting ways with Andy Flower. Langer, a former coach of his national team, will guide the Lucknow-based franchise from the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
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The announcement came hours after the franchise confirmed that Flower, who had been their head coach for the last two IPL seasons, would not extend his contract. “Dear Andy, Today it’s farewell, but it’ll never be goodbye because you’ll always be one of our own. Thank you for everything!” LSG wrote in their Twitter post.
Flower had a successful tenure with the team, reaching the playoffs in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Since their debut in the cash-rich league, the former Zimbabwean cricketer has worked alongside LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir to shape the franchise. Meanwhile, amid these developments, there are also concerns about Gambhir's future at LSG.
I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward: Langer
While bringing Langer into the chief role, LSG will be aiming to clinch their maiden title in the 2024 season. The former Aussie opener helped his national team win the 2021 T20 World Cup and will use all his experience in the IPL - his first assignment in the world's biggest cricket league.
"Lucknow Super Giants have appointed legendary former Australian cricket team coach and batsman Justin Langer as their team head coach. As the two-year contract of Andy Flower comes to an end, Lucknow Supergiants thanks Andy Flower for his contribution," LSG said in a statement.
LSG were without captain KL Rahul for the second half of the 2023 season after being ruled out due to injury. However, Krunal Pandya rose to the occasion and with the players showing the spirit they were able to enter the playoffs. A change in the coaching setup demonstrates the franchise's intent in the lead-up to the upcoming IPL seasons.
"Lucknow Super Giants are on the journey of building a great story in the IPL. We all have a role to play in that journey and I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward," said Langer on joining as LSG head coach.
Here's how fans reacted to the appointment of Justin Langer as LSG head coach:
He's really strict kl is gonna have a hard time in the dressing room lsg going the rcb way
— Davey (@deep_goradia4) July 14, 2023
Maiden IPL trophy loading for LSG 💯
— Harsh (@cricketharshh) July 14, 2023
First thing he has to do as coach release klol and naveen ul haq
— Haniel Peter (@peter_haniel) July 14, 2023
Belt treatment loading for kl Rahul
— Gian (@savagestranger3) July 14, 2023
Surely KLR will get belt treatment... If he maintains slow strike rate
— APKᶜᶦⁿᵉᵐᵃᵃᵛᵃᶦ ⁿᵉˢᶦᵖᵃᵛᵃⁿ🎞🎬 (@smithpraveen55) July 14, 2023
LSG VS DC will be ponting vs langer..greatt..
— Yusuf Ahmad (@yusufahmad2612) July 14, 2023
Langer ko RCB ka coach banna chahiye tha 💔
— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) July 14, 2023
Will win IPL in his first coaching year
— Manjit (@CricManjit) July 14, 2023