Not RCB or KKR!! VVS Laxman approached by this IPL team for Head Coach role
Published - 21 Jul 2024, 10:34 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:16 AM
VVS Laxman, a legendary Indian cricketer and the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has been reportedly on the radar of the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team management for the top position in their coaching staff.
In an interesting development, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have reportedly had a meeting with Laxman for a coaching role, as his tenure as the head of the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is set to end in September.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in talks with NCA Head VVS Laxman for coaching position ahead of the IPL 2025
There is speculation that the former Indian batter may not seek an extension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for his current role at the NCA. Despite being BCCI's first choice to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, Laxman declined the offer, citing his reluctance to travel extensively with the team.
Well, a Times of India report claimed that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are interested in including the legendary VVS Laxman in its coaching staff ahead of the next IPL in 2025. However, nothing has been finalized yet between the two parties; LSG management has reportedly had informal discussions with Laxman about the potential role in the team.
It is being said that Laxman is not keen on extending his tenure at the NCA, especially after relocating from Hyderabad. He has been receiving offers from various franchises for some time now.
Notably, Laxman has often stepped in for Dravid, serving as India's interim head coach in several series. His most recent assignment was against Zimbabwe, where the Men in Blue won the five-match T20I series 4-1.
Vikram Rathour set to replace VVS Laxman as NCA head: Reports
Meanwhile, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour is seen as a strong candidate to replace Laxman as the NCA head. Rathour also worked as a national selector before joining the national team as the batting coach.
A source close to the development was quoted as saying by Sports Tak: “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.”
Currently, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is in Sri Lanka for the ICC meeting, and the decisions regarding the NCA positions will be made once he returns from the island nation.
The source added: “Rathour might be asked to take charge at NCA. The BCCI secretary (Jay Shah) after the ICC meeting is likely to have a word with VVS to understand his side.”
Notably, the BCCI has not yet finalized the assistants for the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who will begin his tenure with the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka will start on July 27, followed by a three-match ODI series on August 2 in Colombo.
