Revealed: Why BCCI Did Not Appoint VVS Laxman As The Head Coach Despite Visa Preparation For South Africa Tour?

New details have surfaced about VVS Laxman objecting to a full-time role as India’s head coach after the completion of Rahul Dravid’s tenure. Contrary to popular speculation, the BCCI recently announced a contract extension for head coach Rahul Dravid and other members of the support staff. The contract of the head coach as well as the support staff members ended after the conclusion of the ICC ODI World Cup earlier this month.

Speculations were rife that the former India captain would not accept a contract extension in order to stay close to his family. Several reports also suggested that Rahul Dravid was keen to join any IPL franchise and was already in contract with two teams. The BCCI was also reportedly not very keen to extend his stay before the views changed following India’s impressive show in the World Cup.

As things were unclear, VVS Laxman emerged as the front-runner to replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the team. The former India batsman is currently the head of the National Cricket Academy and also occasionally plies his trade as a stand-in head coach for Team India. He is currently coaching the Indian team in the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia.

Here’s why VVS Laxman was not appointed the head coach of Team India:

VVS Laxman was reportedly in line to be named as the head coach of the team on a full-time basis ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa.. Earlier this week, one media report even stated that the BCCI was getting visas for VVS Laxman as well as his coaching team ready.

However, the Indian cricket board, on Wednesday (November 29), sprung a big surprise by announcing that VVS Laxman would not replace Rahul Dravid as the latter has been given a contract extension. And while not many know the reason behind it, the Times of India has reported that the BCCI decided to hand Dravid the extension because VVS Laxman was not sure about taking up the role on a full-time basis.

“Laxman said he needed to spend more time with his family. He was unsure about the relentless travel that comes with the assignment. Besides, he is very committed towards strengthening the NCA and India’s supply line of cricketers,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Dravid’s contract has reportedly been extended till the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His contract will be reviewed by the board after the World Cup ends in June next year.