BCCI informally approached Laxman for Test head coach role after whitewash vs SA: Report
The Indian cricket team has been facing a tumultuous time, especially in the Test format. The recent whitewash against South Africa has left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrambling to find solutions to the team’s woes. In a shocking development, the BCCI has informally approached former Indian batsman VVS Laxman to gauge his interest in taking over as the head coach of the Indian Test team, according to a report by PTI.
The report suggests that the BCCI’s approach to Laxman was made after the team’s disappointing performance in South Africa, where they were whitewashed 2-0. This move indicates that the BCCI is exploring options to revamp the team’s coaching staff, particularly in the Test format. Laxman, who is currently the ‘Head of Cricket’ at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, was reportedly approached by a BCCI official to check if he would be interested in taking over as the head coach of the Indian Test team.
However, according to the report, Laxman expressed his happiness with his current role at the NCA and declined the offer. Laxman’s decision to stay on as the ‘Head of Cricket’ at the NCA is not surprising, given his involvement in shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers. The NCA has been a breeding ground for young talent, and Laxman’s expertise has been instrumental in helping these youngsters develop their skills.
The BCCI’s approach to Laxman also raises questions about the future of current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir’s contract as head coach runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the BCCI’s move to approach Laxman suggests that they may be considering alternatives. Gambhir has been under pressure after the team’s poor performance in South Africa, and the BCCI may be looking to make changes to the coaching staff to arrest the decline.
The Indian team’s performance in Test cricket has been a concern for some time now. The team has struggled to find consistency, and the batting lineup has been particularly fragile. The lack of depth in the bowling department has also been a worry, with the team relying heavily on a few experienced bowlers. The BCCI’s move to approach Laxman may be an attempt to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives to address these issues.
Laxman, who played 134 Tests for India, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in Indian cricket history. His experience and expertise would be invaluable to the team, and his involvement in the coaching staff could help to address some of the team’s batting woes. However, with Laxman declining the offer, the BCCI will have to look elsewhere to find a solution to the team’s problems.
The BCCI’s approach to Laxman is also an indication of the chaos that currently exists in Indian cricket. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, and the administration has been facing criticism for its handling of the team. The move to approach Laxman may be seen as a knee-jerk reaction to the team’s poor performance, rather than a well-thought-out plan to address the team’s issues.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s informal approach to VVS Laxman to gauge his interest in taking over as the head coach of the Indian Test team is a significant development. While Laxman’s decision to decline the offer may be disappointing for some, it is clear that the BCCI is exploring options to revamp the team’s coaching staff. With the team’s performance in Test cricket being a major concern, the BCCI will have to find a solution quickly to address the team’s issues. The road ahead will be challenging, but with the right coaching staff and support, the Indian team can bounce back and regain its position as a dominant force in Test cricket.
News source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/171ce424-2ac3-4ea7-889d-622f827f6853
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