Lehmann hopes to change Deccan Chargers' fortunes

Melbourne: Former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann, who has been roped in as coach of Indian Premier League side Deccan Chargers, feels he can change the fortunes of the team which finished last in the first edition of the Twenty20 league last year.

Lehmann will be teaming up with former Australia teammate Adam Gilchrist as he bids to graduate into an international coach.

Deccan Chargers, touted one of the favourites in the IPL with explosive batsmen like Andrew Symonds, Shahid Afridi, Herschelle Gibbs and Gilchrist, won just two of their 14 games that resulted in coach Robin Singh being shown the door and VVS Laxman dropped from captaincy.

"There was a lot of negative feeling around the team last year," said Lehmann, aware of Afridi's criticism of Laxman's dour leadership.

"We are trying to turn it around - before I even get there - into a positive feel through the players and coaching staff. I want to gel the group to become closer and play a better brand of cricket than last season.

"I think Gilly is sick of me ringing him but we are planning for a positive and fluent IPL side," Lehmann was quoted as saying by The Advertiser.

Lehmann feels a sound performance with the Deccan Chargers would enhance his ultimate desire to become Australia's coach.

"The ambition is certainly there. It will be a stepping stone to becoming a full-time coach at a state or international level down the track. That is, if a job comes up," said the 2004 Wisden Cricketer of the Year who signed with the Hyderabad-based team for three years.

"I want to take the best of the coaches I have played with and under including Greg Chappell, Barry Richards, Tim Nielsen, Wayne Phillips and John Buchanan while developing my own coaching style. That is the challenge," Lehmann said.

Lehmann, who revelled in his player-cum-coaching role with Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural IPL, said it would be exciting to work with players like Symonds and Afridi.

"It will be exciting to link with Andrew Symonds, while Shahid Afridi is a good player who does need to be worked with," Lehmann said.

"I think Andrew Symonds is a bit misunderstood - a class player and one of the best Twenty20 players in the world. I was a guy who some people thought wouldn't make it and I eventually did.

"I can get through to the best players in the world and ones that need a bit more help." Former Australia stumper Gilchrist believes Lehmann would make a good coach.

"He has already been fantastic in his input - he is trying to set up a structure, thinking long term. It is a great opportunity for him. Darren has a great cricket mind - everyone has always known that. He has a great deal to offer," said Gilchrist.

Lehmann also feels that the IPL has thrown up opportunities for a number of players.

"Shaun Marsh played for Australia because of the IPL. People have made names for themselves in the IPL," said Lehmann, who thinks Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris will be the next big thing in the IPL after picking up the uncapped Australian.