Former Zimbabwe international Andy Flower was let go by the Lucknow Super Giants a few days back. He has been replaced by former Australia opening batter and head coach, Justin Langer. Langer worked as the coach of his nation side from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, the team retained the Ashes in England in 2019 for the first time after 2001.
Apart from this, the team won the ever-elusive T20 World Cup title in 2021. Last year, he was offered a six-month extension which he decided to reject, days before Late Shane Warne's death. Meanwhile, since then, he has been doing commentary stints for various broadcasters. On the other hand, Flower is reported to have talks with former champions of IPL, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Apparently, the Orange Army (SRH) is likely to let Brian Lara go. It is understood that the franchise and the former West Indies skipper are having a disagreement over his coaching style. The 2016 winners have made a lot of changes in players and coaching staff from 2021 to 2023. However, they are yet to qualify for the playoffs during this period, let alone win the title.
On the other hand, Flower's appointment in the Royals side isn't going to have an impact on Kumar Sangakkara's job. The former Sri Lanka skipper is the Director of Cricket Operations in the pink brigade. Talking about Flower, he has had some successful stints with franchises around the globe.
He led St Lucia Kings (a subsidiary of Punjab Kings in the Caribbean Premier League) to their maiden final in 2020. Apart from this, Pakistan Super League's Multan Sultans won their maiden title in 2021. Apart from this, Gulf Giants, the parent franchise of Gujarat Giants, won the ILT20 title early this year.
This is how Twitter reacted
Sanga+ Flower or only flower?
— Rajasthan Royals Fans Army™ - RR Fan Club (@RoyalsFansArmy) July 18, 2023
SANGAKKARA is head of cricket in Rajasthan Royals, not Head Coach. It is two different things.
— AstroAxiis (@Astro_Axiis) July 18, 2023
I just want to see,
— Cricoholic (@NtgButCricket) July 18, 2023
Andy Flower for RR
Mike Hesson for SRH
Justin Langer for LSG
Shane Watson for PK
Any one for RCB (doesn't matter)
He should ideally be in SRH, then Kavya should rope in Allu Arjun for a promo with Andy with the tagline “Flower bhi hoon, Fire bhi hoon”
— I Love Mithunda (@ilovemithunda) July 18, 2023
Andy flower is that mysterious character around IPl..what he does is unclear but has been always with different teams.
— movieman (@movieman777) July 18, 2023
Sanga is Director and Andy will be Head coach.... Great combo
— J D (@JD_Souza0511) July 18, 2023
Congratulations to RR for qualifying to IPL 2024 playoffs 👏
— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0) July 18, 2023
You say head coach
— ANGAD (@MedicoAngad_7) July 18, 2023
I heard pic.twitter.com/X93IHJu4mY
Arey arey wahan kahan chal diye sir.. idhar idhar - chinnaswamy ki taraf mudiye
— Transponster Jay (@Jay_KD77) July 18, 2023
Goat franchise, sanga maheshwari should be appointed as motivational speaker now
— Rahul (@cyre4321) July 18, 2023