IPL 2026 | ‘Team hasn’t adapted to Ekana pitch’: Justin Langer on LSG struggles

LUCKNOW: After their third loss this season and seventh straight overall at home, Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer said the team has not adapted well enough to the Ekana pitch, which he described as unusually quick and bouncy by Indian standards.

“I think the pitch here is very different from most in India. It's a brilliant cricket pitch. You see pace and bounce, and we just haven't quite adjusted to it,” Langer said.

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“We're not adjusting to the extra pace and bounce. Our batsmen have been out to the short ball a number of times. In many parts of India, the ball doesn't bounce very high. This is like playing at the WACA,” the former Australian opener said.

Despite having a formidable batting unit featuring captain Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran, LSG have failed to post winning totals or chase targets successfully.

“Our batting is just not quite clicking, and who would have thought at the start of the season that it wouldn’t, given the calibre of players we have?” a dejected Langer said.

But Langer had a word of praise for his quickies especially young pacers Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav. “This year our bowlers have been a real credit. I think Mohsin Khan, again outstanding. Prince Yadav, I think they're both two players who will play for India. No question in my mind they'll both play for India,” he said.

Langer also explained the team’s thinking behind Aiden Markram’s role in the middle order. “Aiden is a selfless player, and from the first few games we felt we needed a cricket-smart player in the middle. With Nicholas and Aiden, two of our most experienced players, we thought it would be a perfect combination,” he said.

He also backed young fast bowler Mayank after his expensive outing against Rajasthan Royals. “He has come back after back surgery. He’s been working hard, and we hope he keeps bowling fast,” Langer said.

On Wednesday’s loss, he said, "It's really frustrating for our fans and everyone in the camp. Everyone is working hard and there’s a great spirit in the team. But when confidence isn’t going your way, the only way to regain it is by playing good cricket.”