BCCI Informally Approached Laxman for Test Head Coach Role After Whitewash vs SA: Report
The Indian cricket team’s recent performance in South Africa has raised several questions about the team’s coaching staff and their strategies. After being whitewashed 2-0 by the Proteas, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been exploring options to strengthen the team’s coaching setup. According to a report by PTI, the BCCI informally approached former Indian batsman VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in taking over as the head coach of the Indian Test team.
The report suggests that the BCCI’s approach to Laxman was an informal one, and it was done to gauge his interest in the role. However, Laxman is said to have expressed his happiness with his current role as the ‘Head of Cricket’ at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Laxman has been instrumental in shaping the future of Indian cricket, and his work at the NCA has been widely appreciated.
The BCCI’s decision to approach Laxman for the Test head coach role is not surprising, given his impressive credentials as a player and his experience in coaching. Laxman has been involved with the Indian team in various capacities, including as a mentor and a coach. He has also been working closely with the NCA, helping to identify and nurture young talent.
The current head coach of the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir, has a contract that runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI is said to be keen on having a separate coach for the Test team, given the different demands and requirements of the longer format of the game. The Indian team’s performance in Test cricket has been a concern for the BCCI, and the board is looking for a coach who can help the team improve its performance in the format.
Laxman’s experience as a player and his knowledge of the game make him an ideal candidate for the role. He has played 134 Test matches for India, scoring over 8,000 runs at an average of 45.97. Laxman has also been part of several successful Indian teams, including the team that won the 2004 Test series in Australia.
The BCCI’s approach to Laxman is also seen as a sign of the board’s willingness to look beyond the current coaching setup and explore new options. The Indian team’s performance in recent times has been inconsistent, and the BCCI is keen on finding a coach who can help the team achieve consistency and success.
While Laxman has expressed his happiness with his current role, it is possible that the BCCI may try to persuade him to take over as the Test head coach. The BCCI is said to be keen on having a coach who can help the team improve its performance in Test cricket, and Laxman’s experience and knowledge make him an ideal candidate for the role.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s informal approach to VVS Laxman for the Test head coach role is a sign of the board’s willingness to explore new options and find a coach who can help the team achieve success in Test cricket. While Laxman has expressed his happiness with his current role, it is possible that the BCCI may try to persuade him to take over as the Test head coach. The Indian team’s performance in Test cricket is a concern for the BCCI, and the board is keen on finding a coach who can help the team improve its performance in the format.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/171ce424-2ac3-4ea7-889d-622f827f6853