‘KL Rahul is gonna have a hard time’ – Fans react as LSG appoint Justin Langer as head coach to work alongside Gautam Gambhir in IPL 2024

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday, July 14 announced the appointment of Justin Langer as their new head coach. The decision came hours after the franchise confirmed the parting ways with Andy Flower, who was in the head role for the last two IPL seasons. Langer will now work alongside Gautam Gambhir, LSG’s global mentor, to guide KL Rahul and his squad.

Flower had a successful tenure with the Lucknow-based franchise, helping the team reach the playoffs in their debut season (2022) and the 2023 season. The franchise confirmed on Twitter that the former Zimbabwean cricketer’s contract will not be extended: “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!”

With the appointment of former Australian cricketer Langer as the head coach, the franchise will be hoping to lift its maiden IPL title in the upcoming season. The former Aussie opener will return to the coaching role for the first time since his exit from the Australian men’s team in 2022.

“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,” read the statement.

I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward: Justin Langer 

The 52-year-old began his coaching career in 2009 when he was appointed as the batting coach and senior assistant coach of the Australian national cricket team. He was named senior coach of the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia in 2012, and he was appointed head coach of the Australian national cricket team in May 2018. Under his guidance, Australia won their first T20 World Cup in 2021.

Reacting to his first assignment in the cash-rich league, Langer said he is excited to be a part of the LSG team. “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,” he said.

Here’s how fans reacted to the appointment of Justin Langer as LSG head coach: