Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL season, a strategic move aimed at revitalising his form and securing a spot in India's T20 plans. With a hefty price tag and the pressure to perform, Pant's success in this role is crucial for both his team and his international career.
Lucknow Super Giants face a tough challenge against a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad in their upcoming IPL clash. SRH's explosive batting and home advantage make them favourites, while LSG needs to address their batting inconsistencies to secure their first win of the season.
Former players such as Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Steve Waugh have questioned the delay in extending Langer's contract, citing the team's success over the last few months.
Langer's tenure looked to be on thin ice last year amid reports that his coaching style had caused dressing room discontent.
The Lucknow Super Giants head into IPL 2026 with a simple goal -- fix what went wrong last season.
Former Australia coach Justin Langer reopened old wounds over his acrimonious resignation, lashing out at unnamed "cowards" in the team who complained in the media about his intense coaching style.
The reaction has exposed a split between current players, who have been silent on his departure, and several former teammates who have fiercely defended Langer.
'Me and a lot of his close friends have reached out to him.'
Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer on Sunday said their batting has let the team down in the last two IPL matches.
Former players and pundits said CA had treated Langer poorly
Being India head coach is one of the biggest assignments in the cricket world, and former Australia head coach Justin Langer believes it could be very exhausting if the timing isn't right for the incumbent.
While ODI captain Aaron Finch said the team backed Justin Langer "100%", reports of players being put off by the coach's "grumpy" temperament have continued to surface.
Australian players gave CA feedback that a new coaching style was needed after the excellent foundation provided by Langer.
Young Lucknow Super Giants batter Ayush Badoni credited skipper KL Rahul and coach Justin Langer for keeping faith in him despite his disappointing run early in the ongoing IPL season, saying their support helped him perform against the Delhi Capitals, albeit in a losing cause.
Langer resigned saying he felt he had lost the support of some players and staff
The day after quitting his job, Langer had a heated conversation with Freudenstein.
Finch said Langer had cleared the air before flying with the team to West Indies.
Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has tipped Justin Langer to be his successor in the coaching role, claiming that the former teammate is respected very highly.
Clearly he didn't get the length of contract extension offer that he was after so it hasn't been ideal, but I don't subscribe to the fact that it was individuals that were key to making the decision, said selection chief, George Bailey.
Retired players disgusted at Langer treatment as England job possibly looms
According to The Australian report, Langer left with his head held high.
Australian batter Josh Inglis, who was to be available for only four IPL matches next year, could play more games after securing a hefty bid from Lucknow Super Giants in the recent players' auction, triggering uneasiness in the BCCI and his former franchise Punjab Kings.
New Zealand batting stalwart Kane Williamson has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a strategic advisor ahead of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) next edition.
The matter was initially raised by Dovey with the Cricket Australia digital staffer but when the latter stood his ground, the matter escalated and Langer subsequently confronted the staff member shortly afterwards.
He was recalled for the fifth and final Test and asked to open the batting with fellow left-hander Matthew Hayden for the first time -- the start of one of the most successful opening partnerships in the history of the game.
Australian media cited sources saying that some senior cricketers are annoyed with Langer's micro-management within the Australian camp.
Langer, who broke a rib batting in the domestic competition, was ruled out of Australia's team for the first Test against the West Indies after failing a fitness test.
Some players had expressed dissatisfaction over Langer's management style because of his intensity and mood swings.
Australia coach Justin Langer cannot believe the 'absolute load of rubbish' that Steve Smith was trying to scuff up Rishabh Pant's guard in the drawn Sydney Test, and has called the criticism out of line and ludicrous.
IPL 2026 will feel like a fresh start for players like Prithvi Shaw, Jofra Archer and Rishabh Pant, it's not only about numbers on the scoreboard anymore but it's about getting their story back on track.
Raelee Thompson too honoured
Former Test opener Langer urged the board and the players union to thrash out their differences behind "closed doors".
'We cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat. So we're going to have to be on our toes all summer and we're looking forward to that.'
Out-of-favour opener Usman Khawaja, who clashed with Justin Langer during Australia's tour of UAE in 2018, has backed the embattled coach to continue in the position through the Ashes and urged the payers to stop undermining him.
The playing future of Australian opener Justin Langer is attracting fresh speculation after his father hinted his son may be close to retirement.
The duo bettered the record for an Australia opening partnership against England in Melbourne.
The 46-year-old will run the T20 side for three games against Sri Lanka while head coach Darren Lehmann is in India preparing for a four-match Test series.
Former opener Justin Langer offered an interesting hypothesis on Australia's Ashes debacle, saying the visitors came a cropper against England because of their pace bowlers' lack of height.
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant was spotted soaking in the football fever at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on Monday.
