Former Australian coach Justin Langer shared a poignant reflection on late cricketer Phillip Hughes while celebrating Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking IPL auction feat. Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history after being signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹27 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. Langer compared Hughes’ unrealized potential to Pant’s meteoric rise, lamenting that the Australian batter never got to experience such a stage.
Rishabh Pant’s Record IPL Auction
At 27, Pant entered the auction as a marquee player with a base price of ₹2 crore. Following his release from the Delhi Capitals, multiple franchises competed for his signature. LSG ultimately secured the wicketkeeper-batter for the record amount, surpassing all previous bids in IPL history.
Writing in The West Australian, Langer shared his thoughts:
“On Sunday, Pant broke the IPL record for the highest amount ever bid on a player. My franchise, the Lucknow Super Giants, paid $5 million for his services. Not bad for just over eight weeks’ work. If Hughes were still alive, he would have been commanding high prices, not just for his dynamic batting but also for the energy he would have brought to the group. Sadly, he would never find out.”
Pant’s Impact and Resilience
Langer also praised Pant for his balance of talent and temperament, recalling the batter’s pivotal role in India’s historic 2020-21 Test series victory in Australia:
“When selecting a squad, talent and temperament play a part, as does character and personality. The last time India traveled to Australia, Pant was a massive part of their success against us. At times, he single-handedly tore the game from the palms of our hands.”
Pant’s unforgettable knocks—97 in Sydney and an unbeaten 89 in Brisbane—secured India’s series victory and cemented his reputation as a match-winner under pressure.
Recovery from Life-Altering Accident
Langer also highlighted Pant’s remarkable comeback after a near-fatal car accident in late 2022. The cricketer suffered extensive injuries, including ligament tears, fractured bones, and head trauma, which many feared would end his career. Langer wrote:
“Since the last time he was on our shores, Pant has faced a life challenge that would break others. A sliding door moment that would change anyone’s life. Most believed he may never walk again, let alone play the game he loves.”
Langer echoed Ricky Ponting’s admiration for Pant’s resilience:
“Ricky Ponting, a good friend of Pant, described his comeback as remarkable… not just for overcoming the physical challenges but also for conquering the mental scars.”
Pant’s Next Challenge
Pant is now preparing for India’s upcoming pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, starting December 6. Having already proven his mettle on and off the field, Pant’s return to form is eagerly anticipated.
This story underscores not only Pant’s incredible journey but also serves as a touching reminder of the potential that Phillip Hughes might have realized in today’s cricketing landscape.
SOURCE: Sportkeeda.com
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