Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has hailed VVS Laxman as a strong contender for the India coaching role after the team's victory over South Africa in the third T20I. Laxman, who is currently the stand-in coach for the tour of South Africa, made a bold decision to send Tilak Varma to bat at No. 3 instead of Suryakumar Yadav, a move that proved to be a masterstroke.Ali believes that Laxman's tactical acumen and ability to make decisive calls have put him in a prime position to succeed Gautam Gambhir as India's head coach. "VVS taught me a thing today. He is the next hot, hot, hot candidate for coaching," Ali said on YouTube. "He did not send Suryakumar to bat at No. 3 as he wanted to maintain the left-right combination. If Australia tour does not go well for Gambhir, VVS has emerged as a strong option."Laxman's decision to promote Varma paid off handsomely as the youngster smashed a magnificent century, guiding India to a formidable total of 219/6. South Africa's chase was spearheaded by Marco Jansen's blistering 54 off 17 balls, but India ultimately held on for an 11-run victory.Ali praised Laxman's ability to identify and nurture young talent, citing Varma's performance as a testament to his coaching skills. "The decision to not send Surya at No. 3 is one of those calls that attract attention and end up changing matches," Ali said. "It shows that VVS is not afraid to take risks and give opportunities to young players."With the series now poised at 2-1 in India's favor, Laxman's stock as a potential long-term coach has risen significantly. His tactical nous, player management skills, and ability to inspire his team have impressed many observers, including Ali.

VVS Laxman to Coach India for South Africa T20I TourFormer Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has been appointed as the head coach for the Indian team during their upcoming four-match Twenty20 International (T20I) tour of South Africa in November. Laxman will take over from Gautam Gambhir, who will be accompanying the Test squad to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The South Africa tour was not initially part of India's schedule but was recently arranged following discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA). The T20I series will be played across four venues: Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg, with matches scheduled for November 8, 10, 13, and 15.Laxman, who has previously coached India during other short white-ball series, will be supported by staff from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), including Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. These coaches have recently worked with the India Emerging team at the Asia Emerging Cup in Oman.On October 25, the BCCI announced the 15-member squad for the T20I series, which will be led by Suryakumar Yadav. The series comes just ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, providing a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their talent and potentially boost their demand among IPL franchises.

VVS Laxman, the former Indian batting maestro, has been instrumental in transforming the National Cricket Academy (NCA) into a hub for nurturing young talent and developing a robust bench strength for Indian cricket. Since taking over as the head of the NCA in December 2021, Laxman has implemented a holistic approach that emphasizes youth development, education, and coaching.Laxman's vision for the NCA is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports players at all levels, from emerging talents to established international stars. He believes that by providing the right environment and resources, the NCA can help players reach their full potential and contribute to India's continued success on the global stage.One of the key areas of focus for Laxman is injury management. He recognizes that injuries can derail even the most promising careers, and he has implemented a proactive approach to prevent and rehabilitate injuries. The NCA has a dedicated team of medical experts who work closely with players to monitor their fitness and provide personalized recovery plans.Laxman also emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. He believes that players need to be exposed to high-level competition to develop their skills and prepare for the rigors of international cricket. The NCA organizes regular camps and tournaments for emerging players, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and learn from experienced coaches.Laxman's efforts have already borne fruit. Several players who have come through the NCA system have gone on to represent India at the international level, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ishan Kishan. The NCA has also played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of injured players, helping them return to the field stronger and more resilient.Laxman's leadership has transformed the NCA into a center of excellence that is committed to developing the next generation of Indian cricket stars. His holistic approach, emphasis on injury management, and focus on bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket are laying the foundation for a bright future for Indian cricket.

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, fondly known as VVS Laxman, etched his name in cricketing history with his exceptional performances against Australia, particularly in Test cricket. His batting against the formidable Australian side, which dominated world cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is remembered for its elegance, resilience, and class.Laxman's maiden Test century against Australia came during India's tour of Australia in 1999-2000. Despite India's overall disappointing performance, Laxman's knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground provided a glimpse of his brilliance.Batting in the second innings, Laxman faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Glenn McGrath but remained undeterred. He caressed full-length deliveries through the covers with ease and pulled majestically from outside off-stump. His timing and placement were impeccable, whether it was a flick off his pads or a drive through the line.Laxman reached his half-century off just 55 balls and his maiden century off 114 deliveries. He continued to dominate the Australian bowlers, reaching 150 off 172 balls. When he finally fell for 167, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Brett Lee, he received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.Laxman's batting exhibition was so magnificent that Justin Langer ran over and congratulated him at the end of his knock. Lee and other Aussie players also applauded him off the field. The "very very special" tag that Laxman carried with him for almost his entire career was perhaps given to him on that day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.This knock was just a prequel to a historic innings that Laxman played at the Eden Gardens in March 2001. In that match, he scored a match-winning 281 against Australia, helping India to a famous victory.Laxman scored six Test centuries against Australia during his career, consistently showing his prowess against them. His ability to play against quality fast bowlers like McGrath, Lee, and Jason Gillespie, as well as the legendary spinner Shane Warne, was a testament to his technical brilliance.Laxman's performances against Australia are etched in cricketing history, especially for the way he played crucial innings in pressure situations. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure made him one of the finest batsmen in India-Australia contests.

VVS Laxman, the legendary Indian batter, has extended his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year. His initial three-year contract was set to expire in September 2023.Laxman's decision to extend his NCA role comes amidst interest from an IPL franchise for a head coach position. However, this opportunity is now unavailable due to his ongoing NCA commitments. He will continue to be supported by his team of experienced coaches, including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar.The extension of Laxman's contract coincides with the impending inauguration of the NCA's new state-of-the-art campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The foundation for this facility was laid in January 2022, 14 years after the Karnataka government sanctioned the land on a 99-year lease.The new NCA campus is expected to be operational from early next year and will boast an impressive array of amenities. It will feature at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab center, lodging facilities, and Olympic-sized pools.During his first three-year term at the NCA, Laxman has continued the initiatives implemented by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. These include injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programs, and the development of roadmaps for senior teams, age-group cricket, and women's cricket.One of Laxman's key challenges will be the revival of the India A tour program, which has been sporadic over the past two years. Under Dravid's leadership, India A tours, both incoming and outbound, were more frequent.Laxman's extended tenure at the NCA is a testament to his commitment to developing Indian cricket. The new state-of-the-art campus will provide him with the resources to further enhance the academy's programs and facilities.

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.

VVS Laxman Eyed by Lucknow Super Giants for Coaching RoleLucknow Super Giants (LSG), the newest franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the services of former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman as part of its coaching staff. Laxman, who currently serves as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is believed to be considering a move away from the academy.Sources close to the matter have indicated that Laxman may not seek an extension of his contract with the BCCI, which is set to expire in September. The BCCI had initially considered Laxman as a potential successor to Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India, but Laxman declined the offer due to his reluctance to travel extensively with the team.While nothing has been finalized, LSG management has reportedly held informal discussions with Laxman. The franchise is keen on adding his experience and expertise to its coaching staff. Laxman, who has a reputation as a highly respected and knowledgeable cricket mind, would be a valuable asset to any team.However, Laxman is said to be hesitant about continuing at the NCA, especially after relocating from Hyderabad. He has reportedly received interest from several franchises in recent months.If Laxman does decide to leave the NCA, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour is seen as a potential candidate to succeed him. Rathour has been involved in the BCCI ecosystem since 2012, serving as a national selector before joining Team India as batting coach.

VVS Laxman, India's head coach for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, honored star finisher Rinku Singh with the 'Fielder of the Series' award following India's 4-1 triumph. The series marked the beginning of the post-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma T20I era, and the tradition of awarding the 'Fielder of the Series' continued.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the ceremony on Instagram, where Subhadeep Ghosh announced the winner. Before the ceremony, a video message from former India fielding coach T Dilip was played, emphasizing the importance of fielding."Boys, fielding has always been paramount to us in Indian cricket, and it's an aspect of the game where we have set high standards over the years. We should aim to continue to strive for excellence in this area. As we all know, we follow a tradition, which is the fielding medal. The medal is given to a player that makes a significant impact in the game with their fielding," Dilip said.Ghosh, who served as India's fielding coach for the series, praised each player for their contributions. While highlighting the importance of catches, he announced Rinku as the winner of the 'Fielder of the Series' award."Another good day in fielding. I think it was a terrific effort from each and every one. I think, in the last five months, we have been thrown into different scenarios and different challenges. As I always say, catching is very, very important. If you take the catches, you can control the game, and you can dominate the game, which we did today," Ghosh said."Every time he steps on the ground, I think he always says, I stand up. I think he always steps on the ground, putting no tools from me. I think this is going to Rinku Singh," he concluded.Ghosh called Laxman to present the medal to Rinku for his efforts throughout the series, which saw him complete six catches."I really enjoyed playing with everyone. It was my 4th or 5th series, so I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I like batting and fielding a lot. I enjoy it a lot. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun to run. So what else can I say, God's Plan," Rinku said.India's next tour will be against Sri Lanka, marking the first assignment of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series on July 27 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, beginning on August 2 at R Premadasa Stadium.

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has expressed confidence that the legendary trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja will continue to excel in the longer formats of cricket despite their retirement from T20Is.Laxman, who is currently serving as the head coach of the Indian team for their T20I tour of Zimbabwe, paid tribute to the contributions made by the veteran players over the past decade. He highlighted their passion, pride, and exemplary performances as role models for young cricketers."My message to these three stalwarts of the game, you know, Virat, Rohit, and I consider Ravindra Jadeja also an extremely talented player who has contributed immensely to the development of the Indian and the progress of the Indian cricket team. A big congratulations. Thank you for all the contribution they've given to this great game and set an example for the youngsters to follow," Laxman said in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Laxman believes that the trio's retirement from T20Is will not diminish their impact on Indian cricket. He expects them to continue their exceptional performances in Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket."So while they've retired from this format, I'm sure that they will continue to prepare the way they did so far in their career and continue to bring laurels to the country. So big congratulations for excellent T20I career, but I'm sure that they're going to contribute in the longer version of the game and the 50-year format of the game," Laxman added.The Indian squad for their upcoming tour against Sri Lanka is yet to be announced. The series will mark the first assignment of the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid after India's successful T20 World Cup campaign.