(Credit PTI)
Former Australian cricketer and coach Justin Langer recently shared insights into his experience working in the IPL.
Former Australian cricketer and coach Justin Langer recently discussed his experience working with cricket stars in India. As the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Langer was struck by the immense affection for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. However, he also expressed his disapproval of the harsh criticism directed at Hardik Pandya by the fans.
Langer described the overwhelming presence of Dhoni jerseys he observed during LSG’s matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both at home and away. At Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, which holds 50,000 spectators, he estimated that around 48,000 fans were wearing the iconic No. 7 Dhoni jersey. When the team traveled to Chennai, the number of Dhoni jerseys reached 100%.
“It’s extraordinary. I had heard about it initially, but then we played them [CSK] twice. When they came to Lucknow, our Ekana Stadium has a capacity of about 50,000, and honestly, there were about 48,000 MS Dhoni number seven shirts. I couldn’t believe it. Then we went to CSK, and it wasn’t 98%; it was 100%. The hero worship in India is unbelievable,” he told BBC Sport.
Langer shared his amazement at the overwhelming number of Dhoni jerseys he saw during LSG’s matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both at home and away. At Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, which holds 50,000 spectators, he estimated that about 48,000 fans were wearing the iconic No. 7 Dhoni jersey. When the team traveled to Chennai, nearly every fan was donning one.
“It’s extraordinary. I had heard about it before, but then we played CSK twice. When they came to Lucknow, our Ekana Stadium, which has a capacity of about 50,000, had around 48,000 MS Dhoni number seven shirts. I couldn’t believe it. Then we went to Chennai, and it wasn’t 98%; it was 100%. The hero worship in India is unbelievable,” he told BBC Sport.
Rather than getting upset by it, go with the flow: Justin Langer
Langer expressed his astonishment at the adoration the star cricketer receives, likening it to the admiration previously shown to Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
“And look, I felt it when we played in India before as a player, particularly with Sachin Tendulkar. Then, when I was coaching with [Australia], Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, But when you get over there, it’s unbelievable,” he added.
However, the 53-year-old also noted the downside of this intense passion. He highlighted the contrasting reception faced by Pandya, who succeeded the beloved Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI). Despite being the vice-captain of India’s T20I team, Pandya was met with boos from the crowds in every game.
“And I saw the flip side of it as well because Rohit Sharma is a huge hero in India as India captain. And what happened with Mumbai Indians this year… Hardik Pandya took over as the captain from Rohit Sharma. The much-loved Rohit Sharma. And it was really sad to watch. You know, he got booed every game by the Indian crowds. He’s the vice-captain of the Indian T20I squad. So, I saw both sides of it. I learned this from Jonty Rhodes and Morne Morkel, who’d been to the IPL before. Rather than getting upset by it, go with the flow,” Langer concluded.
Under Langer’s guidance, the Lucknow-based team won seven out of their 14 games in the IPL 2024, finishing seventh in the points standings. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure a spot in the playoffs.
