Former Australia coach and two-time World Cup winner Darren Lehmann has refused to take over as India's national cricket team coach amid criticism of Gautam Gambhir.
The Indian national cricket team has been under tremendous pressure. This is because things have not been great for them in the last few months, especially in Test cricket. They faced a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home and are now struggling to get going in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Gautam Gambhir has been under immense pressure due to the team's poor returns in Test cricket
This has led to head coach Gautam Gambhir being under a lot of pressure due to the team's poor returns. In the ongoing series, the India national cricket team has struggled a lot with the bat, especially with no hits coming from senior batsmen Rohit Sharma as well as Virat Kohli since the last few series.
Gautam Gambhir has also been under a lot of criticism for his squad selections and various reports have claimed that BCCI will be in discussions with him soon. The fact that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not being dismissed at all has not helped the coach at all and talks of senior players retiring have also emerged.
Darren Lehmann talks about the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
While talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement, Darren Lehmann said that it would be a call for both players, who have been great players for India over a long period of time. He also said that Indian cricket has a lot of depth, adding that Yashavi Jaiswal will be the next star. Speaking to PTI, Darren Lehmann said:
“Look, when they decide to let them go, whatever happens in the next few days, they have been great players for India over a long period of time. Now, actually, we are seeing the younger players starting to step up for India and play.” Well, at the next level, there is a lot of depth in Indian cricket and I wouldn't worry too much.
“When these two guys decide to retire, there are a lot of talented youngsters that will stand Indian cricket in good stead. Oh, the star. One of the best I have seen is (Jaiswal) and Harry Brook are next generation players. They are next generation players,” he added. Darren Lehmann: “They're the players that people will sit down and say they're good players. He played very well in Melbourne and was great in Perth.”
It was an honor to work with the Indian national team, but I was done with international cricket – Darren Lehmann
Darren Lehmann also praised Jasprit Bumrah, saying that he will be India's next captain after Rohit Sharma ends his career. He rated the Indian pacer higher than Wasim Akram and Glenn McGrath and added that he will be successful as a captain. Darren Lehmann added:
“I assume he (Bumrah) is the next captain when Rohit finishes. He did really well in Perth. He's the best bowler I've seen live. I've seen Wasim Akram, Glenn McGrath and all of them, but I haven't seen them.” I have seen a player as impactful in one series as Jasprit Bumrah since Mitchell Johnson won the 2013-14 Ashes, and this is very similar to what Bumrah has already done 30 wickets away. He has been great to watch and will do well when he gets a chance to lead India.
Darren Lehmann was also asked if he would consider taking over as India coach; He added in response that it would be an honor to work with the Indian team, but he is done with international cricket.
“It was an honor to work with the Indian team, but I'm done with international cricket. I just want the guys to improve,” Darren Lehmann said.
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