VVS Laxman DENIED head coach role in England despite Gautam Gambhir's absence

Ahead of the high-stakes five-match Test series between India and England, the legendary batter VVS Laxman has been spotted around the Shubman Gill-led national team in London. But VVS Laxman is not officially part of either India's or the A squad, the support staff, or even the touring party.

Despite Laxman’s valuable presence around the Indian dressing room and involvement during the intra-squad warm-up game, there’s no formal word from the BCCI assigning him any role. He is reportedly around the team just as casually.

VVS Laxman spotted near the Indian Cricket Team before the Leeds Test

Laxman is the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head and deeply involved in shaping India’s cricketing future. His vast experience in English conditions, where he played 34 first-class matches, including 11 Tests with India. So, when the red-ball genius is seen in the Indian camp, speculations explode.

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It is being said that Laxman might have offered tactical inputs to the coaching group or selectors ahead of the five-match Test series, starting on June 20 in Leeds. However, he was reportedly invited informally to guide the younger batters on playing the swinging Dukes ball.

Actually, Laxman was recently in Switzerland for a conference, and then he made a sudden detour to London. However, the legendary Indian batter might leave in a day or two, but it is confirmed that BCCI has not signed him in any capacity for the ongoing England tour.

VVS Laxman holds no official role with team: BCCI source

A BCCI source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne.”

Another source said, “The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game. But he holds no official role with this team.”

VVS Laxman had reportedly travelled to Switzerland to attend a conference. Another source noted, “He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys. It was always part of his plan.”

Read Also: Shubman Gill not ready? India star drops no-nonsense verdict on new Test captain

Gautam Gambhir to rejoin India squad before the first Test

Meanwhile, VVS Laxman’s presence around the Indian team in London has sparked some curiosity, especially since head coach Gautam Gambhir is currently not with the squad. Gambhir flew back to Delhi to be with his mother after she was hospitalized recently following a heart attack.

A source close to Gambhir was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test.” He has consulted the doctors about his mother's condition, which has improved, although she continues to be in the ICU. But he will plan his return soon.”

After finishing their practice match against India A in Beckenham, the Indian team will take a break on June 16 and then travel to Leeds on June 17, as they will face Ben Stokes and his England team in the five-match Test series opener at Headingley in Leeds on June 20.

Read Also: Not Anshul Kamboj or Sarfaraz Khan! Gautam Gambhir's favorite added to India squad for ENG Tests as backup