In the unpredictable world of cricket, opportunity often knocks in the most unexpected ways. For former Australian head coach Justin Langer, that knock came not with fanfare, but in the form of a text message—and a simple invitation for coffee. Having distanced himself from active coaching roles since his high-profile exit from the Australian men’s cricket team in 2022, Langer seemed content mentoring in quieter settings. But a chance meeting with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka in London rekindled his passion and launched him into the intense and colourful cauldron of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Justin Langer: The reluctant coach
After stepping down as Australia’s head coach due to a controversial contract saga, Langer consciously avoided the coaching carousel. Despite being approached multiple times, he turned down every opportunity, including being briefly linked with the England head coach job. By his own admission, saying “no” became second nature. So when LSG came calling ahead of IPL 2024, his response was swift and predictable—until fate intervened.
“I had been asked 15 times whether I wanted to be a head coach… It was the easiest no in my life,” Langer candidly shared on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast. That was until a casual message suggested he simply have a coffee with Goenka. The meeting, just a stone’s throw away from where Langer was conducting a mentoring session, proved pivotal.
The Sanjiv Goenka effect
What followed was more than a polite chat. It was a career-defining conversation. Langer described Goenka as calm, courteous, and impressively astute—a man with a vision and a challenge. What tipped the scales was Goenka’s parting note: “You cannot classify yourself as a great coach until you win the IPL.”
For someone who had already achieved considerable success—including an Ashes victory and a T20 World Cup with Australia—those words struck a chord. It wasn’t about financial gain or fame; it was about legacy. Langer, ever the competitor, found himself drawn to the challenge and allure of the IPL—arguably cricket’s grandest stage.
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Langer’s LSG journey begins
Langer’s first season with LSG was a mixed bag. The team finished seventh, missing out on the playoffs for the first time in their brief IPL history. It wasn’t the dream start, but the experience offered vital learnings and a new perspective. With high expectations and the ever-watchful eyes of the media, the role was no walk in the park.
Despite the pressure, Langer praised the management, particularly Goenka, for their respectful and hands-off approach. “There’s this perception that IPL owners want to get involved in selection… In my experience, it has been the opposite,” he said. Langer highlighted the absence of micromanagement and emphasized the mutual respect he shares with the Goenka family.
The IPL 2025 season has started more promisingly for LSG under Langer’s leadership. Despite injury setbacks, particularly in the seam bowling department, the team has managed to win three out of their first five matches. Bench strength and smart rotation have kept the campaign afloat, and optimism is building in the LSG camp.
