BCCI informally approached Laxman for Test head coach role after whitewash vs SA: Report
The Indian cricket team has been facing a tumultuous time lately, with the recent 2-0 whitewash against South Africa being a stark reminder of the team’s struggles in the Test format. The defeat has raised several questions about the team’s coaching staff, with many experts and fans calling for a change in the leadership. In a surprising development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informally approached former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in taking over as the head coach of the Indian Test team.
According to a report by PTI, the BCCI reached out to Laxman after the disappointing series loss against South Africa, with the intention of gauging his interest in the top job. 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, and has not shown any inclination to take up the coaching role. The NCA, also known as the Centre of Excellence, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides training and coaching to young cricketers, and Laxman has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers.
The report also mentions that the current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has a contract that runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which means that any changes to the coaching staff may not happen immediately. Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer, took over as the head coach of the Indian team in 2022 and has been working closely with the team to improve their performance. However, the recent series loss against South Africa has put the spotlight on the coaching staff, with many questioning the team’s strategy and preparation.
The approach to Laxman is seen as a significant development, as it indicates that the BCCI is open to exploring other options for the head coach role. Laxman, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in Indian cricket history, has a wealth of experience and knowledge that could be invaluable to the team. His success as a player, combined with his experience as a coach and mentor, makes him an attractive candidate for the top job.
However, it is worth noting that Laxman has been happy with his role at the NCA, where he has been working closely with young cricketers to develop their skills and prepare them for international cricket. His commitment to the NCA and his passion for developing young talent may mean that he is not interested in taking up the head coach role, at least not at this stage.
The BCCI’s approach to Laxman also raises questions about the future of the Indian coaching staff. With Gambhir’s contract running until the 2027 ODI World Cup, it is unclear what the BCCI’s plans are for the coaching staff. Will they stick with Gambhir, or will they look to make changes in the coming months? The approach to Laxman suggests that the BCCI is open to exploring other options, but it remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming months.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s informal approach to VVS Laxman for the Test head coach role is a significant development that highlights the board’s willingness to explore other options for the coaching staff. While Laxman’s response has been lukewarm, the approach itself is a clear indication that the BCCI is not satisfied with the current state of affairs and is looking to make changes. As the Indian cricket team looks to bounce back from the disappointing series loss against South Africa, the focus will be on the coaching staff and their ability to prepare the team for the challenges ahead.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/171ce424-2ac3-4ea7-889d-622f827f6853
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