NCA Shake-Up: VVS Laxman May Exit, Vikram Rathour Tipped as Successor

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, a pivotal institution in Indian cricket, is poised for significant changes, mirroring the recent shake-ups in the senior team. According to reports, VVS Laxman, the current NCA head, is contemplating stepping down from his role.

Laxman, a former Indian batting legend, took over the NCA reins in November 2021, succeeding Rahul Dravid. The NCA serves as a hub for age-group camps under renowned coaches and provides rehabilitation facilities for injured senior team members.

However, Laxman is reportedly reluctant to continue in his position and has attracted interest from the Lucknow Super Giants of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for their head coach role. His contract with the NCA expires in August, and he is not seeking a renewal.

Sources suggest that Vikram Rathour, the former Indian batting coach, is the frontrunner to succeed Laxman. Rathour was part of the support staff for India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.

"It is very likely that you may see Rathour heading NCA. For now, a call on VVS Laxman's contract renewal is pending, but the conversation from his side is not positive," a source told Sports Tak.

"Rathour might be asked to take charge at NCA. BCCI secretary (Jay Shah) after the ICC meeting is likely to have a word with VVS to understand his side," the source added.

Laxman recently lauded Rahul Dravid's leadership in India's T20 World Cup triumph. "When he (Dravid) lifted the World Cup, I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hand over that trophy, and the way he celebrated lifting that trophy showed how much it meant to each one of them. The amount of hard work they put in. The celebration told the bigger story behind this victory," Laxman said in a video posted by the BCCI.

The NCA's future direction remains uncertain, with Laxman's departure potentially signaling a new era for the institution. Rathour, if appointed, would bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the role.

Tags: #NCA, #VVS, Laxman, #Vikram, Rathour