VVS Laxman To Be India Head Coach For Zimbabwe Tour? Check Details

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are on the brink of announcing Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the senior men's team, succeeding Rahul Dravid whose tenure concludes on June 30 at the culmination of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Recently, Gambhir, hailing from Delhi, participated in an interview conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) via Zoom, with final paperwork expected to be finalized within the week preceding the official announcement by the BCCI. Following Dravid's departure, the Indian team is scheduled to embark on a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting from July 6. However, it has been reported that Gambhir will not immediately join the team for this series. Instead, VVS Laxman, currently serving as the Chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will accompany a youthful squad comprising players who were not part of the World Cup roster.

Laxman has previously filled in for Dravid on multiple occasions, demonstrating leadership that has seen India clinch victories such as the Asian Games triumph in October 2023 and several bilateral series. Gambhir is anticipated to assume his coaching duties during India's upcoming series against Sri Lanka commencing on July 27. Although the return of several senior cricketers to the squad is expected, formal announcements regarding the composition of the team are yet to be made.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for Indian cricket, with Gambhir poised to bring his cricketing acumen and leadership to the forefront as the team prepares for future challenges under his stewardship.

“There is a possibility that Laxman along with some of the NCA coaches will travel with the new-look squad to Zimbabwe. Laxman and the NCA team has always filled up whenever Rahul Dravid and the first team coaches have been taken periodic breaks during their stint,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Former India Women's head coach WV Raman is set to reunite with Rohit Sharma, alongside Gambhir, in a reported move to join the Indian cricket team's coaching staff. While reports indicate Raman's likely appointment as the batting coach, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed this development. Sources suggest Raman has undergone an interview for the role, with further details expected to emerge in due course.

Simultaneously, speculation surrounds Jonty Rhodes, who is among the top contenders for the position of fielding coach. Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding prowess during his playing career, could potentially bring his expertise to the Indian team's coaching setup under Rohit Sharma's leadership. The potential additions of Raman and Rhodes reflect a concerted effort by the Indian cricket board to bolster the coaching staff with experienced individuals. As the situation unfolds, fans and experts alike await official announcements from the BCCI regarding these appointments, which could significantly influence the team's preparation and performance in upcoming fixtures.