‘He’s not my nemesis…:’ Justin Langer thankful that LSG picked Rishabh Pant in IPL auction | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: On India’s last tour to Down Under, Rishabh Pant played a match and series-winning knock against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, as India fought back to register a come from behind series victory.
One of the most defining moments in Indian cricket history, the victory in the Brisbane Test (Gabba) Test in 2021 is often credited to Pant, who played an unbeaten match-winning knock of 89, anchoring India’s successful chase of 328 runs, the highest-ever target chased at the Gabba, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.
Former Australian opener Justin Langer was the head coach of the Aussies at that time but now he is the coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
During the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last month, Rishabh Pant created history by becoming the most expensive buy ever in an IPL auction as LSG broke the bank to acquire the wicketkeeper batter.
After being released by the Delhi Capitals, Pant became the most sought-after player in the auction, sparking a fierce bidding war before Lucknow Super Giants outbid Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals to acquire him for a staggering Rs 27 crore.
Langer, commentating during the pink-ball Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, was effusive in his praise for Pant when he was at the crease.
As Pant flicked Mitchell Starc for a boundary, Langer said on air, “Now a week ago, I hope he’s my favourite person in the world with the Lucknow Super Giants picking him up. We’ve got him, now he’s mate, not my nemesis.”