Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has discussed his intricate relationship with Rishabh Pant, acknowledging that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter has been a persistent "nemesis" during the last two Test series between India and Australia held in Australia. Despite Pant's remarkable performances in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Langer has now conveyed his relief and enthusiasm regarding the opportunity to collaborate closely with him in the forthcoming IPL 2025 season.

Pant was acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for an unprecedented INR 27 crore, marking the highest bid ever in an IPL auction. Langer, who assumed the role of head coach for LSG prior to IPL 2024, will now transition from being rivals to teammates alongside Pant.

Reflecting on Pant’s impact on his team's challenges, Langer remarked during the first day of the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide, “Rishabh Pant has been my greatest challenge over the last two series. Just a week ago, I hoped he would become my favorite person in the world with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) selecting him. Now he is my ally, not my adversary.”

Pant's performances in Australia have been significant

He played a crucial role in both series, consistently troubling the Australian bowlers with his aggressive batting style. In the 2018/19 BGT, Pant scored a total of 350 runs, including a remarkable 159, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the series. Two years later, during the 2020/21 series, Pant again proved vital, accumulating 274 runs, highlighted by a match-winning innings at the Gabba that secured India's second consecutive Test series victory on Australian soil.

In addition to his batting prowess, Pant made substantial contributions behind the stumps, achieving 28 dismissals across both series. His performances were instrumental in India's success in both series, making them the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.

With Pant's transition to LSG for IPL 2025, Langer is keen to foster a robust working relationship with the 26-year-old, as he is set to lead the Lucknow franchise.

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