Lehmann plans to ambush opponents

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Having taken charge of an under-performing team in the first season and whipping it about into a title-winning combination the next year, Darren Lehmann has made his mark as the coach with a knack for turnarounds.

Two seasons on, he finds himself in a similar situation — the squad has been overhauled, there are new venues to adapt to and the pressure to deliver is once again in the air. It’s a perfect setting in Lehmann’s world, evident from his ultra cool approach to the challenge ahead. “It’s good fun.”

“This summer we have got young kids around. We have got the right choice, some guys whom most of the other teams don’t know about… so that’s an advantage,” the Aussie declared as the Chargers began IPL-5 preparation with the first practice session on Wednesday.

Lehmann is set to conjure up different combinations in an attempt to ambush the opposition. “We have a good mix of players to throw up in different games,” he says. But overall, the idea is to “try and get them to play a better brand of cricket. We did not start well last year. This time we have to.”

Talking about starts, much would be expected of Parthiv Patel and Shikar Dhawan. “Parthiv is good signing. Shikhar had a great season last year. He is going to get better. He could have made more - was out in the thirties,” Lehmann said.

The team may have its share of big names but Lehmann is banking on the youngsters to propel the side. “We have a lot of young players and if we give them a chance, it will be different,” he said.
The World Cup-winner is unfazed by the opponents.

“Mumbai and Chennai are strong but having said that, T20 is a funny game,” he sent out a veiled warning.