Australia coach Justin Langer’s position has come under question following the Test series defeat at home to a depleted Indian team.
There have been rumbles against Langer’s management style earlier as well.
During India’s tour of Australia two years ago, Usman Khawaja confronted Justin Langer and told him that the players were intimidated by him.
Langer however, disputed the notion that his relationship with the Australian players has deteriorated, adding that “leadership isn’t a popularity contest”.
“If players just want someone to tickle their stomachs all the time then I’m not doing my job,” he said.
He denied micro-managing bowlers. “It’s actually the opposite of what happens,” Langer said. “I never talk about statistics to the bowlers, ever. I don’t go to any of the bowlers’ meetings. That’s what the bowlers’ coach is meant to be doing.
“I don’t do any of that. I never, ever, ever speak to any of the bowlers about any of that sort of stuff. And the learnings of the last few months are I should start looking at that more.”
With his contract still having 18 months left, Cricket Australia (CA) will have to decide whether to retain Langer or consider changes.
But Langer asserted that he was dealing fine with the workload of his job.