Justin Langer Opens Up About Working with 'Nemesis' Rishabh Pant at LSG, Reveals Haunting Experience

Pant was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, making him the highest-paid player in an IPL auction. Langer, the newly appointed head coach of LSG for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, will now have the opportunity to work closely with Pant as they transition from being rivals to teammates in the same dressing room.

Reflecting on Pant’s role in his team's struggles, Langer admitted on air during Day 1 of the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide, “Rishabh Pant has haunted me the most from the last two series. Now a week ago, I hope he’s my favourite person in the world with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) picking him. Now he’s my mate not my nemesis.”

Pant played a pivotal role in both series, tormenting the Australian bowlers with his fearless batting. In the 2018/19 BGT, Pant amassed 350 runs, including a sensational 159, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series. Two years later, during the 2020/21 series, Pant’s contribution was crucial again, scoring 274 runs, including a match-winning knock at the Gabba that sealed India's second-successive Test series win on Australian soil.

Apart from his batting exploits, Pant also contributed significantly with the gloves, claiming 28 dismissals across both series. His performances were a key factor in India's triumph in both series, which saw them become the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.

With Pant’s move to LSG for IPL 2025, Langer is eager to build a strong working relationship with the 26-year-old. Langer is expected to lead the Lucknow franchise, though official confirmation is awaited. Meanwhile, Pant will aim at playing a key role in the ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India is battling Australia in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

India, opting to bat first, was bundled out for 180, with Nitish Reddy top-scoring with 42. Pant, who scored 21, was unable to make a significant contribution, but his presence remains key to India’s success going forward in the series.