Melbourne: Former Australian head coach and two-time World Cup winner Darren Lehmann believes Indian cricket possesses remarkable depth to thrive even after the eventual retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Praising young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah, Lehmann remains optimistic about India’s cricketing future.
The 54-year-old Lehmann, who played 27 Tests and 117 ODIs, expressed his admiration for Jaiswal’s batting brilliance and Bumrah’s unmatched impact with the ball, likening the latter to legends such as Wasim Akram and Glenn McGrath.
Smooth Transition Post Rohit and Virat
Reflecting on Rohit and Virat’s contributions, Lehmann acknowledged their pivotal roles in Indian cricket but emphasized the team’s ability to adapt. “Whenever they decide to retire, they will leave behind a great legacy. But Indian cricket is in good hands with the emergence of young talent,” he told PTI.
Lehmann specifically highlighted Jaiswal’s meteoric rise during the ongoing series. The young southpaw has impressed with scores of 161, 82, and 84, prompting Lehmann to call him a “generational superstar.”
“Jaiswal is a phenomenal player. Along with Harry Brook, he represents the future of cricket. Watching him perform in Melbourne and Perth was truly special,” Lehmann noted.
Bumrah: A Modern-Day Bowling Marvel
Lehmann reserved his highest praise for Jasprit Bumrah, commending his leadership potential and extraordinary skillset.
“Bumrah is the best bowler I’ve seen live. His impact in this series is unmatched, reminding me of Mitchell Johnson’s dominance during the 2013-14 Ashes. With 30 wickets already, Bumrah has been outstanding,” he said.
Lehmann sees Bumrah as a strong contender for the Indian captaincy once Rohit Sharma steps down, citing his exceptional performance in Perth as evidence of his leadership capabilities.
Challenges in Australian Cricket
Shifting focus to Australian cricket, Lehmann expressed concerns about the team’s batting depth. While the bowling unit, comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, appears stable, the batting lineup seems to be under pressure.
“There’s promising talent in bowling with players like Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett emerging, but batting remains an area of concern. The next few years will test how we manage transitions,” Lehmann explained.
Coaching Aspirations
When asked if he would consider coaching the Indian national team, Lehmann dismissed the idea, stating he had moved on from international coaching. “It would have been an honor, but I’m focused on helping young players grow,” he concluded.
Conclusion
Lehmann’s confidence in India’s cricketing depth underscores the strength of its pipeline, ensuring a seamless transition even as legends step away. With promising talents like Jaiswal and Bumrah rising to prominence, the future of Indian cricket appears brighter than ever.
