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 eyebrows, with the team suffering a whitewash in the two-match Test series. The defeat has led to a lot of speculation about the team’s coaching staff, with many questioning the role of the current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informally approached 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 officials had a casual conversation with Laxman after the South Africa series, where they inquired about his interest in coaching the Indian Test team. 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. The NCA, also known as the Centre of Excellence, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides training and coaching to young cricketers from all over the country.
Laxman, who is a former Indian cricketer and a highly respected batting legend, has been associated with the NCA for several years. He has been instrumental in shaping the careers of several young cricketers, including some who have gone on to represent the Indian national team. His experience and expertise make him an ideal candidate for the role of head coach, but it seems that he is not interested in taking up the position at the moment.
On the other hand, Gautam Gambhir’s contract as the head coach of the Indian team runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Gambhir, who is also a former Indian cricketer, took over as the head coach of the team after the departure of Rahul Dravid. While he has had some success with the team in the limited-overs format, the Test team’s performance under his guidance has been a cause for concern.
The Indian team’s whitewash in South Africa has raised questions about Gambhir’s coaching style and his ability to prepare the team for the longer format of the game. The team’s batting performance, in particular, was a major concern, with several top-order batsmen failing to make an impact. The lack of consistency and the inability to play out long innings were some of the major issues that plagued the team throughout the series.
In this context, the BCCI’s informal approach to Laxman is not surprising. The board is clearly looking for alternatives and is exploring options to strengthen the coaching staff. While Laxman may not be interested in taking up the role at the moment, the BCCI may continue to persuade him to reconsider his decision.
It is worth noting that the BCCI has a history of approaching former cricketers to take up coaching roles. Several former players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Anil Kumble, have been involved with the Indian team in various capacities over the years. The board’s approach to Laxman is a clear indication that they value the experience and expertise of former players and are willing to tap into their knowledge to improve the team’s performance.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s informal approach to VVS Laxman for the Test head coach role is a significant development in Indian cricket. While Laxman may not be interested in taking up the position at the moment, the BCCI’s move is a clear indication that they are looking for alternatives to strengthen the coaching staff. With the Indian team’s performance in the Test format being a major concern, the board’s efforts to find the right coaching staff are crucial. Only time will tell if the BCCI will be able to persuade Laxman to take up the role or if they will have to look elsewhere for a suitable candidate.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/171ce424-2ac3-4ea7-889d-622f827f6853
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