Legendary Australian cricket team opener Justin Langer likened the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Olympic Games, emphasising that each match in the tournament is a grand spectacle.
Langer assumed the role of head coach for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prior to the IPL 2024 season, following the franchise's departure from the leadership of Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir.
"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 said on a video uploaded by the LSG.
Langer referred to his discussions with Ricky Ponting and Tom Moody as the former Australia coach prepared for his time in the IPL.
"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," he added.
Langer also lavished praise on his franchise captain and Indian middle-order batsman KL Rahul, describing him as a "graceful, elegant player."
"When I was an Australian coach and we had a series against India, I never used to relax until Virat Kohli and KL Rahul got out. Because he is (Rahul) so dangerous player and he is such a beautiful elegant looking player," said Langer.
"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)," he added.
KL had a nice 2023 with the bat, establishing a fresh identity as a middle-order wicketkeeper-batter. Across 30 matches this year, KL accumulated 1,203 runs at an average of 57.28, achieving a top score of 111*. He notched up three centuries and seven half-centuries during the year.
