BCCI eyes VVS Laxman for head coach role amid his hesitation with IPL offer already on table - Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently facing the challenging task of finding an apt candidate for the role of head coach for the Indian cricket team, with VVS Laxman's future within the set-up in the spotlight.

Laxman is not reportedly keen to take on the high-profile role, despite there being rumors that the legendary batter is a frontrunner to replace his former teammate Rahul Dravid after his stint ends with the conclusion of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean.

Amid his reluctance to replace Dravid as India’s head coach, Laxman’s tenure as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is all set to end in September, which sparked curiosity among the fans about his and BCCI’s next move over his involvement in the system.

Jay Shah confirms BCCI wants local coach for Team India

While Gautam Gambhir's name has surfaced as a potential candidate to become India’s next head coach, it is still not clear whether the BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, has consulted senior players to see if they are ready to work with the KKR mentor.

Shah recently stressed that the BCCI is looking for an Indian coach who has a large understanding of the domestic cricket landscape. His latest statement hinted that the Indian board wants someone like Laxman.

While the NCA head appears to be a natural choice for the role of Team India’s head coach, given his interim coaching experience at international arenas and at the NCA, he is yet to apply for the position, which demands significant time apart from physical and mental strength.

Despite this, the BCCI is keen on retaining Laxman within the Indian cricket system, and the board may try to convince the former Indian batter to accept the high-profile job. Meanwhile, a former BCCI official revealed that Laxman could potentially serve as a consultant for the marquee Test series if he is not ready to take up the role on a full-time basis.

VVS Laxman can always be the consultant: BCCI Official

An anonymous former BCCI office-bearer was quoted as saying by PTI: “It will be completely up to Jay but he has to convince VVS to be a part of the Indian set-up, at least when they play red-ball series. If he is not willing to work full-time, he can always be the consultant when India play marquee red-ball series in Australia this year and England next year.”

Also, the reports suggest that VVS Laxman already has at least one offer on the table from an IPL franchise.

The official added, “Unlike Rahul Dravid, who was based out of Bengaluru, Laxman had to shift base from Hyderabad. Not to forget his magnanimity when he agreed to work for a lesser pay package compared to what he was making as mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad and as an expert with one of the broadcasters. So, there will be factors but Laxman's services should be utilised properly.”

However, Laxman's exit from the NCA will leave a void that the BCCI must fill, with current Indian cricket team batting coach Vikram Rathour emerging as a potential successor. Rathour's extensive experience and deep understanding of cricketing techniques make him a strong candidate to replace Laxman as the NCA head in the future.

Rathour already worked at the NCA as a batting coach, and he was a national selector for four years. Apart from this experience, he has been serving as India’s batting coach for the past five years.