Australian Cricket Legend Draws Parallels Between IPL and Olympics
- Langer, Lucknow Super Giants’ coach, likens IPL to Olympics.
- Talks IPL with coaches Ponting and Moody, noting enthusiasm.
- Excited to team with KL Rahul, praises elegance and 2023 form.
Australian cricket legend Justin Langer, currently serving as the head coach for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, drew striking parallels between the IPL and the Olympic Games. Langer emphasized that each match in the IPL is a grand spectacle, comparing the tournament’s magnitude to the global significance of the Olympic Games.
“The IPL is like the Olympic Games. It is so big. Every game is a spectacle, it is so well received, it is so well supported, not just at the stadiums, all through India and around the world. To have the opportunity to be a part of that is something I am very, very excited about,” Langer expressed in a video uploaded by the LSG.
Langer, who took over as the head coach from the previous leadership of Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir, shared insights from discussions with cricket stalwarts like Ricky Ponting and Tom Moody, both of whom have extensive experience in the IPL. Langer highlighted their enthusiasm for the tournament and the impact it has had on their cricketing careers.
“Having sat with Ricky for so long and he talked about his time with the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. How much he loves the tournament. And Tom Moody, one of my best friends, he’s been so involved in the IPL and just to hear them talking about it,” Langer added.
Langer also praised his franchise captain and Indian middle-order batsman KL Rahul, lauding him as a “graceful, elegant player.” Reflecting on his experiences as the Australian coach, Langer admitted that facing Rahul on the field was a challenging task, and he expressed excitement about teaming up with him in the IPL.
“He has experience. He can play to both sides of the ground. He plays spin and quick bowling well. I feel really grateful and I feel blessed to have a captain like KL Rahul. I am excited about that (teaming with KL Rahul),” Langer remarked.
KL Rahul, who had an impressive 2023 with the bat, establishing himself as a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter, accumulated 1,203 runs across 30 matches at an average of 57.28. With three centuries and seven half-centuries during the year, Rahul showcased his prowess as a formidable and versatile batsman.
As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, cricket fans can anticipate a thrilling display of talent and spectacle, echoing the sentiments of the legendary Australian coach Justin Langer.
