After a three-year hiatus from the intense world of cricket, Justin Langer made his coaching comeback in 2024 by joining the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. According to Langer, it was a single remark that reignited his passion for the sport.

In an open discussion with Michael Clarke on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, the former Australian coach shared the story of how his journey with the Lucknow Super Giants began. Following his departure from the Australian national team, Langer took a purposeful break, which he described as “the best three years of my life,” during which he explored various opportunities outside of cricket. However, a meeting in London with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka changed everything.

“I was sitting with (Sanjiv) Goenka, having a conversation. He is a calm and pleasant individual, as well as a highly successful businessman. At the end of our discussion, he said something that resonated with me: ‘Justin, I know you’ve had a very successful coaching career. But let’s be honest, you can’t consider yourself a great coach until you win the IPL,’” Langer recounted with a grin.

That remark—both playful and provocative—left a lasting impression. For Langer, who values discipline and his legacy, the challenge was too compelling to ignore. The opportunity to create something significant in a high-stakes franchise setting, especially with the team making its IPL debut, was an offer he could not refuse.

Langer on Goenka's involvement

Prior to his arrival, there were rumors suggesting that Goenka influenced cricketing decisions beyond the confines of the boardroom. However, Langer promptly clarified the situation.

“I experienced no pressure from the Goenka family,” he stated, refuting claims of micromanagement. “My time with the team demonstrated that those perceptions were quite inaccurate.”

In their inaugural season, LSG achieved a respectable third place but fell short of reaching the finals. The following season mirrored this performance, as LSG again secured third place but could not advance past the playoffs. The previous year proved to be the most challenging for Langer, as the team ended up in a disappointing seventh position. Following the 2024 season, the franchise parted ways with captain KL Rahul and invested a remarkable INR 27 crore to acquire Rishabh Pant.

As IPL 2025 unfolds, LSG has embarked on the season with renewed determination, winning three out of their first five matches and currently occupying the fifth position on the points table. While it is still early in the season, the team appears to be a formidable contender.

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