New Coach Justin Langer Have High Expectations from Captain KL Rahul

Clear message to KL Rahul

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer believes skipper KL Rahul can automatically increase his chances of making it to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad by doing well for the franchise in the IPL 2024 season. Rahul is yet to make a T20I comeback for India after the 2022 T20 World Cup and has stiff competition in the wicketkeeper-batter category, with the likes of Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and now even Rishabh Pant in the mix.

Press Conference

Speaking to the reporters in the pre-season press conference, here’s what Justin Langer had to say about the chances of the likes of KL Rahul and Ravi Bishnoi in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

“If KL can captain LSG to the IPL title, that means he would’ve captained well, batted well and kept wickets well. The message for players like KL and Bishi (Bishnoi) would be that the more they concentrate on doing well for LSG, their chances (of T20 World Cup) will increase.”

Rahul with new batting position

With India’s top-order already stacked with plenty of options, Rahul could bat in the middle order for LSG to strengthen his claim. The Super Giants can easily do that, especially after having acquired the services of Devdutt Padikkal in the trade window. He clearly stated that KL has to do well in all departments in the IPL. His performance will automatically guarantee him a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 Cup. He also praised Rahul for his batting and his calm approach while captaining the side.

LSG – PACE ATTACK

The Lucknow Super Giants have had to face some injury woes in their pace department last season, with the likes of Mark Wood and Mohsin Khan in and out of the team. However, Justin Langer feels the fast bowling department for IPL 2024 is in great shape. Langer is also excited about the young speedster Mayank Yadav and believes Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq will provide great cover from the experience point of view.

Praised the pace department

“There is enormous talent. The pacers they all look fit, hungry & healthy. We need to manage them well, not just at the start but through the whole tournament. Among the pacers, Naveen has played a lot of T20 cricket. Then there’s young Mayank (Yadav).” , he stated.

Shamar Joseph the new star

Shamar Joseph was named as replacement of Mark Wood. West Indies speedster Shamar Joseph has become an overnight sensation after his incredible seven-wicket haul helped West Indies beat Australia at the Gabba earlier this year. So it will be interesting to see him in the action at the grandest stage.

LSG would be expecting the better result this time

Lucknow Super Giants would want to win this season. They are new franchise but they have qualified for playoffs in consecutive seasons. But both the times they failed to win the tournament. This time they would want to clear the finish line. They will play their first match against Rajasthan Royals on 24^th March in Jaipur.