Justin Langer talked about how he recently became the coach of LSG and his relationship with the team’s owners in Lucknow. The Australian talked candidly about his encounter with Sanjiv Goenka, which caused him to reconsider his decision to decline the position of head coach at LSG.
While Langer was in London, he said he received a text message from Vinay Chopra of LSG proposing him for the head coach position. The former Australian opener stated that once his relationship with Cricket Australia soured, he received such offers roughly fifteen times. ‘No’ was really easy for me, Langer remarked.
“I received a text message saying, ‘Hello, this is Vinay Chopra from LSG. We would like to have you as our coach next year.'” I had been asked fifteen times if I wanted to be a head coach between ending in Australia and then. I was in London for the World Cricket Committee. Langer stated in an episode of the “Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast” that “it was the easiest no in my life.”
The former opener said Vinay urged him to grab coffee with the owner of LSG after letting him know Mr. Goenka was in London. According to Langer, he participated in a mentorship session that was approximately 150 meters from Goenka’s hotel. The Australian said that he had a pleasant chat with him and that Goenka was a prosperous businesswoman.
By pure coincidence, the owner, Mr. Goenka, is also in London. ‘How about you just have a coffee with him?’ texted me the guy. That morning, I was in London, about 150 meters from the hotel where a businessman was staying, doing a mentorship session with him. Mr. Goenka and I have a pleasant talk while we are sitting together. Langer said, “He is a highly successful businessman and was calm and pleasant.
To be considered a great coach, you must first win the IPL: From Sanjiv Goenka to Justin Langer
The LSG owner reportedly gave the southpaw a reality check. Goenka commended him for his coaching career up to that moment, according to the head coach of LSG, adding that one might not be regarded as brilliant until they assist a team in winning an IPL championship.
“He told me, ‘Justin, I know you have had a very successful career, been a very good player, and had a very successful coaching career.'” That was our final exchange. Let’s face it, though, until you win the IPL, you can’t call yourself a great coach,” the Australian continued.
He discussed how the media and fans view Goenka in relation to the discussions he had with KL Rahul during the 2024 Indian Premier League. According to Langer, he has never imposed his will on team selection or franchise-related matters, in contrast to the portrayal. He may never be able to speak negatively of the Goenka family, Langer remarked.
There are opinions concerning Mr. Goenka and the IPL owners; I’ve heard that they want to participate in the selection process, but in my experience, the reverse has been true. No tension from the Goenka family has affected me. So far, our cooperation has been pleasant, and we have a lot of respect for each other. Langer said, “I will never be able to say a bad word.”
India
