Justin Langer reveals straightforward chat with LSG boss Sanjiv Goenka

Justin Langer has disclosed the story behind his appointment as the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). 

Ahead of his first stint with LSG, Langer revealed that he had a chat with team owner Sanjiv Goenka in London. He also expressed his excitement to serve the team in the forthcoming season as LSG is aiming to clinch their maiden title in the lucrative league.

“It was so funny because I was here in Perth and I received a text message asking me if I had any interest in coaching in the IPL. It was from Vinay telling me that the owner Sanjiv was in London at the same time and would I be interested in having a coffee with him. And I thought, well, I've got nothing to lose and I went and met the boss and from there we had a really nice conversation and he is a very good salesman, the boss, because the last thing he said to me was, you know, Justin, you have had a great playing career, you've had a very very good coaching career till now, but you can't consider yourself a great coach until you've won the IPL," Langer was heard in a video shared by the franchise.

"I was like, okay, good salesman skills. I like that boss man. And then we had some conversations after that and we have continued to have conversations since. I was thrilled to be invited to be head coach of this great franchise. And I'm looking forward to next season. It's going to be very excited and I'm looking forward to hopefully offering something to the Lucknow Super Giants," the 53-year-old added.

IPL is like the Olympic Games: Langer

Justin Langer also revealed he had a lot of conversations with Ricky Ponting and Tom Moody about the tournament. The former cricketer further compared the IPL to the Olympic Games, stating all games in the cash-rich league are spectacular. 

"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.

 "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," he further added.