Lucknow, March 24 Rishabh Pant reaches his peak as a cricketer when he plays with a smile on his face, says Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer, backing the Indian wicketkeeper-batter to have a better year leading the franchise in IPL 2026.
Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG bought him for a staggering price of Rs 27 crore last year. However, there wasn't much to celebrate for Pant and LSG in IPL 2025, as they finished in seventh place on the points table.
Langer said that while Pant was "trying hard to impress" last year, the experience also helped the franchise and their coaching staff understand him better.
"If we see Rishabh laughing, smiling, and having fun, he'll be a brilliant captain, and that's what we learned last year. He (was) joining a new franchise, trying hard to impress, which is natural," Langer told JioHotstar.
"But we're already seeing a more relaxed Rishabh (now). He knows the players now, and we have his support. He's smiling a lot and dancing. When he's like that and starts playing cricket, there's no one more exciting to watch in the world," he added.
With an opening order consisting of Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, his South African counterpart Aiden Markram, and former West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran, Langer said LSG's batting was "No.1" last year, but they still couldn't achieve their full potential, which led to the team making changes at the auction.
"We had a very good auction, and that's where it started. We had a great foundation last year. I think our batting was No.1 in the competition last year. (But) we weren't able to capitalize on that," he said.
"But this year, we've added to our squad. There will be some really tough selection decisions. But if our batting can continue to perform, and our bowling can continue to develop, then we've got a very good team."
The former Australian opener also emphasized the importance of Mohammed Shami's presence for all the young bowlers in the team.
"During the team lunch, Mohammed Shami was speaking, and all the boys were listening intently to him, never taking their eyes off him," Langer remarked.
"He's incredibly experienced and a true warrior. We often discuss the mentor-apprentice relationship in coaching, and that's exactly what we have here."
Langer expressed confidence in the coaching staff's work behind the scenes with bowlers who are returning from injury lay-offs. India fast bowler Mayank Yadav is one of those who has had a significant time away from the game.
"In recent years, pretty much every bowler has arrived post-surgery or injury, building momentum during the season," Langer said.
"But this pre-season, we've established a top medical department under Patrick Farhart. Tom Moody, our new director of cricket, built this squad at the auction with elite professionalism. Bharat Arun isn't just a bowling coach; he's the mentor and the general."