Darren Lehmann backs India’s depth to take over if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli decide to retire

Former Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has put his weight behind the young generation of Indian cricketers to take the baton from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli if the two veterans decide to call it a day. Both Rohit and Virat are under the pump for their mundane form in the recent past and their places have been questioned by many cricket experts.

Kohli and Rohit averaged less than 25 in 2024 in Test cricket and they will look to turn the tables in 2025. Kohli scored a fine century in the second innings at Perth but barring that knock, he hasn’t been able to score according to lofty expectations in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia.

Kohli has gathered 167 runs in seven innings against the Aussies at an average of 27.83. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has returned with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9 in the ongoing Test series and thus has aggregated only 31 runs at 6.20.

Meanwhile, young players like Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill are rising through the ranks and they have shown that are all but ready for the top level.

Lehmann told PTI, “Look whenever they [Rohit and Kohli] 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.”

“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,” he added.

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in top form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. Jaiswal has scored 359 runs in four Test matches at an average of 51.29. The former Australian left-hander said Jaiswal and England’s swashbuckling batter Harry Brook are the two next-generation players.

“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.”

The former Australian all-rounder also showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah, who has scalped 30 wickets at an average of 12.83 in four Test matches of ongoing series.

“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.”

The fifth and final Test match between Australia and India will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 onwards.