NEW DLEHI: According to former Australia head coach and two-time World Cup champion Darren Lehmann, Indian cricket has produced a generational superstar in Yashasvi Jaiswal and will continue to be in good health even if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decide to quit.
The 54-year-old, who made 117 appearances in ODIs and 27 Test matches in his ten-year career, is also enthralled by Jasprit Bumrah‘s abilities and says he has never witnessed 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 trail 1-2.
“Look whenever they decide to give it away and whatever happens in next few days they have been great players for India over a long period of time,” Lehmann, a member of 1999 and 2003 ODI World Cup-winning teams told PTI.
“Now actually we see younger players starting to step up for India and play well at next level. There is so much depth in Indian cricket I won’t worry too much,” Lehmann was pretty matter of fact.
“Whenever these two guys decide to retire, there are so many talented youngsters that Indian cricket will be in good stead.”
Lehmann made a daring prediction about the southpaw, who has scored 161, 82, and 84 runs in this series, after witnessing Jaiswal emerge as the Indian batting flag bearer.
“Oh, superstar. One of the best I have seen,” Lehmann said quickly, before the question was finished.
“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,” the beefy left-hander of yesteryears said.
Lehmann, however, saved his greatest compliments for Bumrah, comparing him to all-time greats like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram.
“I presume he (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 impact like him in a single series like Jasprit Bumrah has since Mitchell Johnson in 2013-14 Ashes win.
“This is very similar as Bumrah already has 30 wickets. He has been outstanding to watch. He will do well when he gets a chance to lead India.”
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 could be a worry rather than the bowling.
“I am not so worried about bowling as lot of good kids are coming up. Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett from Brisbane Heats, so there are plenty of them. Spinners are okay but it is the batting that is being tested at the moment,” said Lehmann.
“There will be some changes with greats retiring but fast bowling will be good enough. How long Cummins and Starc survive time will tell, but hopefully, they will get to till next Ashes.”
Despite having a respectable coaching reputation, Lehmann responded negatively when asked if he would consider leading the Indian national team.
“It would have been an honour to work with Indian national team but I am done with international cricket. I just want the young guys to get better,” Lehmann signed off.