VVS Laxman's IPL switch as head coach canceled after contract extension as NCA head

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that former India cricketer VVS Laxman is all set to continue as head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). He is likely to extend his contract for one more year at least.

The contract of VVS Laxman as the head of the National Cricket Academy was all set to end this September. He was appointed as the head three years ago when Rahul Dravid was roped in by the Board of Control for Cricket in India as the head coach for the India National Cricket Team.

Laxman's extension as the head of the National Cricket Academy comes ahead of the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art NCA campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The foundation for it was laid in January 2022 after the land was given by the government on lease for 99 years after an attempt of 14 years.

The newly built National Cricket Academy is in the final stages of its construction and is likely to function from early next year. The structure reportedly has at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab center, lodging facilities, and Olympic-sized pools, apart from a host of other amenities.

Ever since he was appointed the head of the National Cricket Academy, VVS Laxman has done a decent job. The former India cricketer worked on injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programs, and preparing roadmaps for senior teams, age groups, and women's cricket.

VVS Laxman to be assisted by Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar

VVS Laxman is all set to be assisted by his previous staff. Sitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar. They also have been traveling with the India National Cricket Team when the main coaching staff was rested.

Laxman was also in the reckoning for the head coach of the India National Cricket Team after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended after the T20 World Cup 2024. This was because whenever Dravid and his coaching staff were rested, the NCA head was the head coach of the team.

But Laxman reportedly didn't express his desire to take over the head coach. Not only this, the former India cricketer was also approached by an IPL franchise for a head coach position. However, he now won't be able to take the role because of his NCA duties.

With Laxman now getting his contract extended, he won't be featuring in the IPL. One of the biggest challenges for the former India cricketer would be to resume the India A tours. The tours haven't taken place in the last 2 years. However, during the Rahul Dravid’s tenure, the India A tours were more frequent. He would be keen to start the India A tours again and help in the development of Indian cricket in his next year as the NCA head.