Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has stated that it wouldn’t be a big worry for Team India if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire soon. Former Australia head coach and two-time World Cup winner Darren Lehmann believes that Indian cricket has built a generational superstar in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will continue to be healthy even if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decide to retire.
The 54-year-old, who spent ten years playing cricket and participated in 27 Test matches and 117 One-Day Internationals, is also enthralled by Jasprit Bumrah’s abilities and says he has never seen a player have such an impact in a single series. Lehmann was sympathetic and realistic about the change in Indian cricket as he discussed the potential retirements of Rohit and Kohli because to their subpar performances in the current series, in which India is down 1-2.
Lehmann, who played for India in the 1999 and 2003 ODI World Cups, told PTI, “Look, whenever they decide to give it away and whatever happens in the next few days, they have been great players for India for a long period of time.”
“In fact, younger players are beginning to represent India and perform well at the next level. Lehmann was rather matter-of-fact, saying, “I won’t worry too much because Indian cricket has so much depth.”
“Whenever these two guys decide to retire, there are so many talented youngsters that Indian cricket will be in good stead.” After witnessing Jaiswal emerge as the Indian batting flagbearer throughout the series, Lehmann boldly predicted that the southpaw, who has 161
“He (Jaiswal) and Harry Brook are two players from the upcoming generation. He was excellent in Perth and performed admirably in Melbourne. On this trip, he has advanced significantly,” the burly left-hander of the past remarked.
Lehmann, however, saved his greatest compliments for Bumrah, comparing him to all-time greats like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram.
“I assume that once Rohit retires, he (Bumrah) would take over as captain. He performed admirably in Perth. I have never seen a better bowler live than him.
“I have watched Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath, and other bowlers, but since Mitchell Johnson’s Ashes victory in 2013–14, I have not witnessed a bowler have as much of an impact in a single series as Jasprit Bumrah.
Given that Bumrah has already claimed 30 wickets, this is quite comparable. It has been amazing to observe him. When given the opportunity to lead India, he will do admirably. When discussing transition, Lehmann pointed out that although Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser are all in their early to mid-30s, Australia’s batting may be a worry rather than the bowling.
“There are a lot of good kids coming up, so I’m not too worried about bowling. There are several of them, including Brisbane Heats players Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett.
“Greats retiring will cause some adjustments, but quick bowling will still be sufficient. Only time will tell how long Cummins and Starc last, but ideally they will make it to the next Ashes. Despite having a respectable coaching reputation, Lehmann responded negatively when asked whether he would consider leading the Indian national team.
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