LSG, one of the few franchises yet to win an IPL title, endured a disappointing 2025 season, finishing sixth with six wins and eight losses. Determined to address their shortcomings, particularly in bowling, the franchise made key additions, including Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, and Wanindu Hasaranga.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a brilliant build-up. I think we had a very good auction and that\u2019s where it starts,\u201d Langer told JioStar, reflecting on the team\u2019s pre-season progress. \u201cWe had a great base last year. I believe our batting was the best in the competition last year. We weren\u2019t able to capitalise on that, but this year, we\u2019ve 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\u2019ve got a very good team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Langer also shed light on Shami\u2019s influence within the squad, especially on young pacer Mayank Yadav. \u201cDuring the team lunch, Mohammed Shami was speaking, and all the boys were hanging on his every word, their eyes never left him. He\u2019s incredibly experienced, a true warrior. We often discuss big brother-little brother or master-apprentice dynamics in coaching, and that\u2019s exactly what we have here,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
At the helm, Rishabh Pant, the most expensive Indian player in IPL history after being signed for Rs. 27 crore, appears to be settling into his leadership role. Langer believes Pant\u2019s natural personality will be key to his success as captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf we see Rishabh laughing, smiling, and having fun, he\u2019ll be a brilliant captain, and that\u2019s what we learned last year. He joined a new franchise, trying hard to impress, which is natural. But we\u2019re already seeing a lighter Rishabh. He knows the players now, and we\u2019ve got his back. He\u2019s smiling a lot and dancing. When he\u2019s like that and starts playing cricket, there\u2019s no one more exciting to watch in the world. I\u2019m looking forward to working with him again. He\u2019s got such a nice heart, energy, and he\u2019s relaxed. That makes him dangerous,\u201d Langer noted. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The franchise has also strengthened its backroom staff, with Kane Williamson joining as a strategic advisor, alongside experienced figures like Tom Moody and Bharat Arun. Langer emphasised that the changes extend beyond personnel to overall preparation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf we see Rishabh laughing, smiling, and having fun, he\u2019ll be a brilliant captain, and that\u2019s what we learned last year. He joined a new franchise, trying hard to impress, which is natural. But we\u2019re already seeing a lighter Rishabh. He knows the players now, and we\u2019ve got his back. He\u2019s smiling a lot and dancing. When he\u2019s like that and starts playing cricket, there\u2019s no one more exciting to watch in the world. I\u2019m looking forward to working with him again. He\u2019s got such a nice heart, energy, and he\u2019s relaxed. That makes him dangerous,\u201d Langer noted. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a more balanced squad, experienced leadership, and renewed energy in the camp, LSG will be aiming to finally shed their underachievers\u2019 tag and mount a serious title challenge in IPL 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n