Former Team Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has turned down the chance to replace the under-fire Gautam Gambhir if India seeks a new red-ball coach. Gambhir’s performances in recent Test series has put India’s chances of qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in jeopardy.
Lehmann acknowledges the privilege of being considered among candidates to work for India’s national team. However, he declines any potential offer to return as a head coach in international cricket:
“It would have been an honour to work with the Indian national team, but I am done with international cricket. I just want the young guys to get better,” Lehmann said.
Why is Gautam Gambhir Facing Heavy Criticism?
Embarrassing defeats
New Zealand have always been a thorn on India’s side across formats, but the Black Caps always struggled to secure a win on Indian soil until 2024. The 2024 IND vs NZL Test saw the Men in Blue stomach a humiliating whitewash at home against their visitors. Black Caps players were on rampage throughout the series and handed their hosts a 0 – 3 whitewash.
Anger brewing over the loss to New Zealand at home is yet to dissipate. Many fans publicly call for the removal of Gambhir as head coach to avoid further damage to India’s red-ball squad. Further defeats against Australia at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25 also compounds Gambhir’s situation.
Failure to deliver after extra privileges
Insider reports at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest growing displeasure with Gambhir’s handling of the squad since his appointment. The BCCI showed their willingness to give Gambhir limitless resources after taking over from Rahul Dravid. However, the current coach has not made good use of everything at his disposal so far.
Incoherent strategy
Gambhir has been out of sorts tactically in recent Test series as India suffered painful losses. Some analysts accuse the former player and mentor of an unbalanced strategy that directly affects India’s chances of success in red-ball cricket.
Poor tactical approaches cost India dearly at home vs New Zealand and was evident throughout the first four Tests against Australia.
Replacing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Will Be Easy for India – Lehmann
Lehmann is sure that Team India won’t find any issues while seeking replacements for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma:
“Look, whenever they decide to give it away, and whatever happens in the next few days, they have been great players for India over a long period of time. Now, actually, we see younger players starting to step up for India and play well at the next level. There is so much depth in Indian cricket I won’t worry too much.”
Lehmann is sure several youngsters can rise to the challenge and fill positions left vacant by India’s senior batters:
“Whenever these two guys decide to retire, there are so many talented youngsters that Indian cricket will be in good stead.”
Lehmann Hails “Superstar” Bumrah
Darren Lehmann believes India’s Jasprit Bumrah is a “superstar” cricketer after his stellar outing at the BGT 2024/25:
“Oh, superstar. One of the best I have seen He (Jaiswal) and Harry Brook are two next-generation players. They are the ones that people will sit back and say they are good players. He played very well in Melbourne and was outstanding in Perth. He has come up leaps and bounds on this tour,” he said.
Darren Lehmann Predicts Team India’s Next Captain After Rohit Sharma
Lehmann predicts that record-breaking pacer Bumrah is set to take over from Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain soon:
“I presume he (Jasprit Bumrah) is the next captain when Rohit finishes. He did a really good job in Perth. He is the best bowler I have ever seen live. I have seen Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath and all, but I have not seen a bowler have an impact like him in a single series like Jasprit Bumrah has since Mitchell Johnson in the 2013-14 Ashes win.“
When Did Lehmann Leave Queensland Cricket?
Lehmann stepped down from his role as the Queensland’s men assistant coach in September 2024:
“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time. I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling,” Lehmann said while confirming his exit from professional coaching last year.
What is Lehmann Doing Right Now?
Lehmann decided to take up a radio commentary position at ABC Sport after leaving his role as QC coach. The veteran coach will be part of ABC Sport’s radio coverage throughout Australia’s busy cricket summer.
