BCCI Informally Approached Laxman for Test Head Coach Role after Whitewash vs SA: Report
The Indian cricket team has been facing a tough time lately, especially in the Test format. The recent whitewash against South Africa has raised several questions about the team’s performance and the coaching staff. In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informally approached former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman to take over as the head coach of the Indian Test team, according to a report by PTI.
The report states that the BCCI reached out to Laxman after India’s disappointing performance against South Africa, where they lost the two-match Test series 2-0. The BCCI official reportedly asked Laxman if he would be interested in coaching the Indian Test team, but Laxman declined the offer, stating that he is happy with his current role as the ‘Head of Cricket’ at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Laxman, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in Indian cricket history, has been involved with the NCA for several years and has been instrumental in shaping the careers of several young Indian cricketers. He has also been a part of the Indian team’s support staff in the past, serving as a batting consultant during the 2019 World Cup.
The report also mentions that the BCCI is not looking to make any changes to the current coaching staff, at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup. The current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has a contract that runs until the 2027 World Cup, and the BCCI is likely to stick with him until then.
The move to approach Laxman, however, suggests that the BCCI is exploring its options and looking for a potential replacement for Gambhir in the future. Laxman’s experience as a player and his success as a coach at the NCA make him an attractive candidate for the role.
The Indian team’s performance in the Test format has been a major concern in recent times. The team has struggled to find consistency, and the batting lineup has been particularly vulnerable against top-quality bowling attacks. The whitewash against South Africa was a wake-up call for the team, and the BCCI is likely to take a closer look at the coaching staff and the team’s preparation in the coming months.
While Laxman’s decline of the offer is a setback for the BCCI, it is not entirely surprising. Laxman has been vocal about his commitment to the NCA and his desire to contribute to Indian cricket in a different way. He has also been open about his reluctance to take on a full-time coaching role, citing the demands of the job and the need to spend time with his family.
The BCCI will now have to look for other options to fill the role of head coach, if and when Gambhir’s contract expires. The board will likely consider several candidates, including former Indian players and experienced coaches from around the world.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s informal approach to Laxman for the Test head coach role is a clear indication that the board is looking for a change in the coaching staff. While Laxman’s decline of the offer is a setback, it is not the end of the road for the BCCI. The board will continue to explore its options and look for the best candidate to take over as the head coach of the Indian Test team.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/171ce424-2ac3-4ea7-889d-622f827f6853
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