According to Justin Langer, head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant is unparalleled as a cricket player when he plays with a smile on his face. Langer believes that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter will have a great season leading the team in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
When Pant was purchased by LSG last year for an astounding Rs 27 crore, he became the most expensive player in IPL history. However, Pant and LSG ended seventh on the points table in IPL 2025, so there wasn’t much to be happy about.
Although Pant was “trying hard to impress” last season, according to Langer, the period also gave the team and their coaching staff a better understanding of him.
“If we see Rishabh laughing, smiling and having fun, he will be a brilliant captain, and that is what we learned last year. He (had) joined a new franchise, trying hard to impress, which is natural,” PTI quoted Langer telling JioHotstar.
“But we are already seeing a lighter Rishabh (now). He knows the players now and we have got his back. He is smiling a lot and dancing. When he is like that and starts playing cricket, there is no one more exciting to watch in the world,” he added.
Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, his South African counterpart Aiden Markram, and former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran made up the top order. According to Langer, LSG’s batting was “No.1” last year, but they were still unable to go far, which prompted the squad to make amends at the auction.
“We had a very good auction and that’s where it starts. We had a great base last year. I think our batting was No 1 in the competition last year. (But) we weren’t able to capitalise on that,” he said.
“But this year, we have added to our squad. There will be some really tough selection calls. But if our batting can keep firing and our bowling can keep developing, then we have got a very good team.”
Mohammed Shami’s presence is essential for all of the team’s young bowlers, according to the former Australian opener.
“During the team lunch, Mohammed Shami was speaking and all the boys were hanging on his every word, their eyes never left him. He is incredibly experienced (and) a true warrior. We often discuss big brother-little brother or master-apprentice dynamics in coaching, and that’s exactly what we have here,” Langer remarked.
Langer showed faith in the coaching staff’s behind-the-scenes efforts with bowlers recovering from injury layoffs. India pacer Mayank Yadav is among those who have been out of the game for a long time.
“In recent years, pretty much every bowler has arrived post-surgery or injury, building momentum during the season. But this pre-season, we’ve established a top medical department under Patrick Farhart. Tom Moody, our new director of cricket, built this squad at the auction with elite professionalism. Bharat Arun isn’t just a bowling coach; he’s the mentor and the general,” Langer said.
