There will be some pressure on the players who are in the circuit to be picked for India’s squad in the T20 World Cup. But head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, Justin Langer has a simple message for his players as they gear up for the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024).
Speaking in an interview with PTI, the former Australian international revealed what he has said to the international players ahead of the IPL and WT20 World Cup. “The message for players, like KL (KL Rahul) or Bishi (Ravi Bishnoi) will be that the more they concentrate on playing well for LSG, their chances (of WT20 call-up) will increase,” said Langer.
The likes of Rahul and Bishnoi are the contenders to be picked in India’s squad and the two will be expected to deliver performances to warrant their selection. However, one of their weakness is their fast-bowling unit. But the head coach dismissed such concerns and backed the talent his pacers possess.
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He commented,” It is a very good observation that we lack some experience in the pace department but there is enormous talent. The pacers all look fit, healthy and hungry”.
The former Australia coach also emphasised the need to manage the workload on the players well throughout the season if they are to have a good outing this year. “We need to manage them well not just at the start but through the whole tournament. Among pacers Naveen (ul Haq) has played a lot of T20 cricket”.
He also backed the West Indies pacer, Shamar Joseph to come good. He was in the spotlight after getting rid of Steve Smith in his first delivery on debut and then picking up a seven-wicket haul to give the side a historic win at the Gabba. He was roped in for the English pacer, Mark Wood who had pulled out to manage his workload.
“I was commentating and I saw him take seven wickets in 37 degrees, 80 per cent humidity and a broken toe. He is an incredible athlete. Smile, spirit, athleticism and skill, he has got all those ingredients that you need to succeed,” Langer backed the 24-year-old quick bowler.
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Langer also was happy with his spin attack which is led by Bishnoi and also has some experience with Amit Mishra, M Siddarth and K Gowtham. “He (Bishnoi) is an outstanding bowler. I love his energy. I watched his training. There is no better pure leg-spinner than Mishi (Mishra’s nickname). I saw young M Siddarth, who bowled a maiden over first-up in a training game. There is Krishnappa Gowtham.”
Speaking on the potential rivalry between him and the former head coach, Gautam Gambhir, Langer dismissed it by acknowledging his friendship with the Indian international. “There is no face-off. I was disappointed when he left for KKR but he is a real hero in KKR. We have been good friends”.
“I have been sleeping well for the past two years after I left coaching Australia. Now I will have sleepless nights in fitting so much talent in just 11 slots,” said the head coach.
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This will be Langer’s first job after his role as head coach of Australia and he is looking to put his best foot forward as LSG begin their season by taking on the Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur on March 24.
(With PTI Inputs)
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