Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer is of the opinion that skipper KL Rahul can enhance his prospects of earning a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad by performing effectively for the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
Rahul has not yet returned to T20I cricket for India following the 2022 T20 World Cup and faces tough competition in the wicketkeeper-batter category, with players like Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Jitesh Sharma, and now even Rishabh Pant vying for selection.
Addressing reporters during the pre-season press conference, Justin Langer shared his thoughts on the prospects of players like 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.”
Given India’s abundance of top-order batsmen, Rahul might consider batting in the middle order for LSG to bolster his position. The Super Giants have the flexibility to make this adjustment, especially with the addition of Devdutt Padikkal in the trade window.
Justin Langer discusses LSG’s choices in the pace department
Lucknow Super Giants encountered injury setbacks in their pace bowling division last season, with players like Mark Wood and Mohsin Khan dealing with fitness issues. Nonetheless, Justin Langer expresses confidence in the pace bowling lineup for IPL 2024.
Langer also expresses enthusiasm about the emergence of young talent Mayank Yadav in the fast bowling department. Additionally, he believes that Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq will offer valuable experience and depth to the squad. He remarked:
“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).”
West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph rose to prominence overnight following his remarkable seven-wicket haul, which played a pivotal role in West Indies’ victory over Australia at the Gabba earlier this year.
Despite Shamar Joseph’s limited experience in T20Is, Justin Langer has faith in the fast bowler’s abilities to deliver. Regarding this, he commented:
“He didn’t have experience even before going into two Test matches. I was commentating and I saw him take seven wickets in 37 degrees heat, 80 percent humidity and a broken toe. Smile, spirit, athleticism and skill – he has got all the ingredients to succeed.”
Joseph took over Mark Wood’s spot in the LSG squad after the English pacer withdrew from the tournament. LSG will be counting on the West Indies fast bowler to fill the void left by Wood’s absence.
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