Langer terms IPL best platform to prepare for T20 WC
Australian head coach Justin langer stated that Indian Premier League is the best tournament as lead-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. According to Langer, IPL offers the best grind to the players, who sweat it out for the coveted trophy. However, he expressed disappointment with India's cash-rich league getting deferred due to coronavirus pandemic in the country. Here is more.
We were determined for the impending IPL season, says Langer
"Before this crisis started to unravel, we were absolutely determined for our guys to play the IPL. Because with the T20 World Cup coming up, there's no better grounding, no better practice, no better tournament for them to get ready for that," Langer said.
Pat Cummins fetched the highest bid in IPL 2020 auction
The likes of Aaron Finch, David Warner and Steve Smith were expected to fire for their respective franchises in the IPL. Pat Cummins, who was bought by KKR for a whopping 15.50 crore, emerged as the most expensive player in IPL history. While Maxwell bagged a contract with KXIP for Rs. 10.75 crore, while Mumbai Indians picked up Nathan Coulter-Nile for Rs. 8 crore.
IPL may get suspended under the present scenario
The outburst of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), which has claimed over 24,000 lives globally, thrust India into a lockdown of 21 days. Meanwhile, the tournament faces serious scare of suspension after it was earlier postponed from March 29 to April 15. "The health of not only our individual players, but also our country and India as a whole is paramount here," Langer said.
Australia have a well-balanced squad for T20 World Cup
Langer revealed that he is unfazed as far as the selection for T20 World Cup is concerned. Australia defeated South Africa 2-1 in the recently concluded T20I series. "In terms of selection, I'm not too stressed about it. Few positions in our World Cup side are up for grabs. It's a settled team. We played great cricket against South Africa," he added.
