Darren Lehmann: The man, the cricketer, the coach

“Boof” the coach is sometimes tagged as the Wonder-Coach. After a torrid first season of the IPL, the Deccan Chargers management brought him on-board as coach for the 2009 season – and he ended up steering the side to its first IPL crown. He also led a modestly-talented Queensland side to the Sheffield Shield, One-Day and Twenty20 titles within a span of 18 months.

As a coach, Lehmann’s forte is his uncanny ability to build a team culture and sticking to the basics of cricket – the “keeping it simple” philosophy that is characteristic of India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as well. “Boof” believes in combining empathy, fun and discipline when dealing with the players – possibly something he picked up very well at the car assembly line in his younger days.

Queensland wicket-keeper Chris Hartley reckons it’s Lehmann’s ability to provide a simple, clear direction which endears him to players and fans alike. The coach himself states that his chief recipe for team success is culture and family. His working-class origins are a solid factor behind that belief. Sure, science and technology can give you tools to work with and help in refine your skills, but Darren’s motto is simply this: It all comes down to how you perform with the bat and ball out there on the field.

In some ways, he’s like Steve Waugh, who would take each player aside and tell him of his expectations. There’s also a hint of management lessons in Boof’s approach – he gives his players roles to perform, sets down the team rules and standards along with the playing group, and penalizes anyone who transgresses them. With a national side buffeted by Mickey Arthur’s turbulent tenure that led to divisions within the team, Lehmann’s arrival might just be the tonic it needs to get back to its feet.

Boof’s not a magician – neither as player nor as coach. But he’s just the kind of man you need to revitalise a demoralised squad. One key advantage of his appointment is the fact that he’s actually worked with some of the top names in the side – he played alongside skipper Michael Clarke towards the end of his Test career.

For his ability to gel well with his players and galvanize them into a top-class side, Darren Scott Lehmann is the man the entire Australian squad hopes will help regain their lost glory. For now, it’s wait and watch!