Daren Lehmann multitasks effortlessly. From arranging fielding sessions to correcting faulty techniques to ensuring discipline in the team the South Australian has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the Deccan Chargers. Lehmann who turned out for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL last year as a player has made a seamless shift as coach.

A good percentage of the success the Chargers enjoy can be credited to Lehmann who ahs moulded this side into a fighting unit. The sense of togetherness in the side cannot be missed. Players don’t seem to have a problem in going through the hard grind. With the team sitting on top of the table the coach has all the reasons to smile but he is not ready to count the chickens as yet. In a chat with this newspaper Lehmann touched base on his journey with the Chargers so far.

Q: Many young players in the team did not have any experience in South Africa did you see this as a disadvantage when you set out for the campaign?

A: For those who have not played here it as a chance to learn. I saw it as an opportunity for the seniors in the side to guide them. I did not want to see or accept it as a weakness. We identified a bigger role for Herschelle Gibbs as he is well versed with the conditions. And team manager Goolam Raja has also had a huge part to play in making the youngsters fell at home. Most of us have played here before and that has also come in handy.

Q: The top-order has worked wonderfully well, did you expect them to get going straightaway?

A: as far as the batsmen were concerned it was a matter of grasping the conditions well and Gibbs and Adam Gilchrist have been our pillar up the order. The team has been doing well because the other aspects of our game has been in place too. With Gilchrist and Gibbs you are expecting that kind of firepower at the top. It is not surprising at all.

Q: The journey has been smooth so far. How do you see it as a coach?

A: It is a matter of getting down to the basics. Once you get the fundamentals right other things will follow. The team has shown great spirit. The energy level has been unbelievable. Our training sessions should prove that. In a tournament like this it is very important to forget what had happened last night. The first matches are history and it is time to focus on the remaining nine.

Q: The team has been outstanding in the field, what has helped the transformation?

A: The focus is on total fielding. It is crucial for each player to be comfortable in all positions. Mike Young has been a revelation. Full credit to the boys for going through their paces with interest. It is all good to plan but it is the players who go out there and execute the plan.

Q: The team has been overtly dependent on the opening pair; does that worry you as coach?

A: It is not only the two. Rohit Sharma has been chipping in with useful contributions and so has Dwayne Smith. I am sure the others will do it too when they get an opportunity. Laxman has had a tough time but there is much more he brings to this side with his experience. It is our duty to be with him through this patch. We are confident he will fire here.

Q: Fidel Edwards has been an inspiration with his pace how much will the team miss him after the sixth game?

A: We knew he would be available only for a certain time. He has done what was expected of him. Test cricket is the most important thing and all our best wishes are with him for the series against England. We have Chaminda Vaas and Ryan Harris who can come and fill in adequately. It should actually the bring the best out of Vaas.

Q: Finally, your prediction for the tournament?

A: It is an open tournament and we cannot point to one team as the clear favourite. Conditions here will force some changes in strategies, Teams will be travelling to newer venues and they will adapt better in the coming days. We have been working on all aspects of our game and do not wish to take things for granted. There will be areas where we will have to improve and they are being addressed from time to time.