Former India cricketer VVS Laxman is set to extend his term as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru by at least a year according to ESPNcricinfo. Laxman became the head of the NCA in December 2021 for a period of three years. His contract was set to expire in September this year. According to ESPNcricinfo, an Indian Premier League (IPL) francihse was looking to acquire Laxman’s services, which was not possible because of the duties that he has to look after as the NCA head.

Laxman is likely to be supported by India’s stalwart domestic players as his team of coaches including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar.

Laxman’s extension comes in before the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Saurav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and Laxman laid the foundation stone for the new facility back in February 2022.

The current campus of NCA, located in Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Karnataka, was established in 2000 as a cricket facility of BCCI to train young cricketers identified as potential members of the Indian Cricket Team in future.

It is also used for rehabilitation when players go through an injury. VVS Laxman is the current chief of the NCA.

During his time as the NCA head, Laxman continued the various processes laid by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid.

One of the major challenges for him will be to re-establish the frequency of the India A tour program, which has gradually subdued in the past two years.

Under Dravid’s reign, both home and away tours of India A were quite frequent.

During his playing days, Laxman represented Team India in 134 Tests and garnered 8,781 runs in 225 innings at an average of 45.97. He also struck 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries with his bat, and his best score in the format stands at 281.

He also played 86 ODIs for India, scoring 2,338 runs at an average of 30.76. He scored six centuries and ten half-centuries in the format, with 131 being his best score.

File photo of VVS Laxman© Twitter

VVS Laxman, who served as India’s head coach for the five-match series T20I against Zimbabwe, honoured star finisher Rinku Singh with the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award following their 4-1 triumph. India began the post-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma T20I era by capping off the series with an imposing 42-run win in the fifth match on Sunday. Even without the presence of the stalwart duo, the tradition of handing the ‘Fielder of the Series’ continued in the new era. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a video of the ceremony on X, with Subhadeep Ghosh announcing the winner of the medal.

Before the ceremony, he showed a video message from former India fielding coach T Dilip, who emphasised the importance of fielding.

“Boys, fielding has always been a paramount to us in Indian cricket, and it’s an aspect of the game where we have set high standards over the years. We should aim to continue to strive for excellence in this area. As we all know, we follow a tradition, which is the fielding medal. The medal is given to a player that makes a significant impact in the game with their fielding,” Dilip said.

Ghosh, who served as India’s fielding coach for the series, hailed each player for the contribution that they made during the series. While talking about the importance of catches, Ghosh announced Rinku as the winner of the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award.

“Another good day in fielding. I think it was a terrific effort from each and every one. I think, in the last five months, we have been thrown into different scenarios and different challenges. As I always say, catching is very, very important. If you take the catches, you can control the game, and you can dominate the game, which we did today,” Ghosh said.

“Every time he steps on the ground, I think he always says, I stand up. I think he always steps on the ground, putting no tools from me. I think this is going to Rinku Singh,” he concluded.

Ghosh called Laxman to present the medal to Rinku for the efforts that he made throughout the series that saw him complete six catches.

“I really enjoyed playing with everyone. It was my 4th or 5th series, so I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I like batting and fielding a lot. I enjoy it a lot. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of fun to run. So what else can I say, God’s Plan,” Rinku said.

India’s next tour will be against Sri Lanka, marking the first assignment of new head coach Gautam Gambhir.

The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series on July 27 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, beginning on August 2 at R Premadasa Stadium.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman stated that it was a great gesture by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to hand over the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to Rahul Dravid. It was a special moment for India in Barbados as they ended their 13-year-long drought of an ICC World Cup following a slender 7-run win over South Africa. Dravid celebrated by jumping out of his chair, expressing the relief and joy that millions of Indian fans across the world were feeling.

The victory turned out to be redemption for Dravid, who served as the captain of the Indian team in 2007, when India surprisingly crashed out of the World Cup in the West Indies, which lingered in the cricketing history of the nation.

However, on the same soil, Dravid turned the nightmare into a day to remember by admiring the object he desired and holding it aloft high in the air for the first time in his illustrious career.

Dravid, who is known as “The Wall”, a man who rarely shows his emotion, letting it out and making the triumph even more memorable.

“When he (Dravid) lifted the World Cup, I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hand over that trophy, and the way he celebrated lifting that trophy showed how much it meant to each one of them. The amount of hard work they put in. The celebration told the bigger story behind this victory,” Laxman said in a video posted by BCCI on X.

How much the #T20WorldCup triumph means to India?

VVS Laxman reflects on that memorable day in Barbados – By @ameyatilak #TeamIndia | #Champions | #ZIMvIND | @VVSLaxman281 pic.twitter.com/ETZAxsgVj1

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 12, 2024

Rohit collapsed to the ground as the last wicket fell, sealing the victory. The emotions were visible on the face of every player. Rohit went on to lift the ICC T20 World Cup hero, Hardik, who was in tears after defending 16 runs in the final over against South Africa.

He kissed Hardik on the cheek as the emotional all-rounder was speaking after the match.

“Everyone showed their emotions. So it showed how much it meant to each and every player of that sport. You know, it’s not only the playing 11, but even the support staff, the coaching staff, emotions were really high. You saw Hardik Pandya break down and, you know, showing his emotions once he bowled his last delivery, you saw Rohit Sharma on the ground. Then someone like Rahul, with whom I’ve played so much of cricket, known him for so many years, for him to show that emotions, first when the last ball was bowled, and then, you know, just… the conversations he was having with various team members,” he said.

“It is a special feeling, keeping in mind that we have come close. Just six months back, you know, we should have won the 50-over World Cup, dominating the entire tournament, and then not able to cross the final hurdle. So it’s a special feeling for everyone involved, not only as a former cricketer, but I think the entire country is rejoicing with this result,” he added.

Gautam Gambhir is reportedly the front-runner to be Indian cricket team coach.© BCCI/IPL

File image of former Indian cricket team star Gautam Gambhir© AFP

Hinting at the possibility of taking a coaching role for Team India in future, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh said that he would love to give back to the sport which gave him such an illustrious career if given a chance and added that coaching Men in Blue is all about team management. Harbhajan’s statement comes a week after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited the applications for position of men’s national team head coach, with the tenure starting from July 1 this year and concluding on December 31, 2027, which will the year when the next 50-over Cricket World Cup will take place. Speaking to ANI about coaching Indian team, Harbhajan said, “I do not know if I would apply. Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them. Cricket has given me so much and If I get a chance to give it back, I would be more than happy.”

After India could not lift the ICC Cricket World Cup at home last year in November after reaching finals, the current head coach Rahul Dravid was given an extension till June, which also marks the month during which the ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA will take place from June 1 to 29.

The deadline for application will be till May 27, 6 PM.

“The BCCI on Monday invited applications for the position of Head Coach of the Senior Men’s Team. Applications for the position should be submitted by 6PM IST on May 27, 2024,” said a statement from BCCI.

The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.

BCCI has put out the qualifications for a potential head coach as:

“Should have played a minimum of 30 Test Matches or 50 ODI’s or head coach of a full member Test playing nation, for a minimum period of 2 years; or the head coach of an Associate member/Indian Premier League (IPL) Team or equivalent international league/first class teams/national A teams, for a minimum period of 3 years; or Should have BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent; and should be below 60 years of age.”

India are placed in Group A of the T20 WC this year alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue.

India will then play the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15 respectively.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for a new head coach for the men’s cricket team as Rahul Dravid’s stint will come to an end after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, and if he wishes to continue, he would have to re-apply for the position, which the veteran has been reportedly denying so far. The multi-format coaching role requires the coach to stay with the team for approximately ten months with the busy men’s team calendar. IANS understands that Dravid is ready to step down from the position regardless of the fact whether it ends with the T20 World Cup title or not and wishes to spend time with family.

Even though South Africa, Pakistan and England divide their coaching responsibilities between red-ball and white-ball cricket, the BCCI is still unwilling to adopt a similar strategy because India do not have two distinct player groups for two formats. The BCCI also approached ex-Indian players for the position but they will have to fill the application form to stay alive in the race.

Early speculation said that VVS Laxman would succeed Dravid in the role which he previously filled on a part-time basis in the latter’s absence last year. However, sources confirmed that Laxman is not in the mood to apply and will continue with the India ‘A’ team.

Former Australian cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer is also in the fray for the head coach position along with other star veterans including Stephen Fleming, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra. BCCI has also been meeting with IPL coaches and mentors in the hunt for a head coach. Langer ‘is curious’ and interested in coaching the Indian team but according to sources, Ponting had a meeting with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Delhi in the first week of the month regarding the coaching position. Ponting is currently associated with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals as head coach.

BCCI can also look up to Gambhir, who returned back to his old franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after serving two years at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and has played a key role in steering the side to back-to-back playoff finishes. Gujarat Titans head coach Nehra has also shown interest in guiding the Indian team in the past.

“Why not, if I would be given a chance to coach the Indian team why won’t I. I believe the team not only revolves around the captain it’s the management that plays the key role,” Nehra had said in an event back in 2021. Also, Nehra has proved his managing mettle with GT, winning the IPL in their debut season and a runner-up finish in the next edition.

Since Dravid is ‘not interested’ in extending his role and Laxman wants to stick with the ‘A’ team it is Ponting who is the front-runner in the race but the extensive ten months working load in away conditions will be the key point in his decision. Also, Ponting was appointed head coach of Washington Freedom ahead of the second season of Major League Cricket in the United States, which is set to start form July 6.

Soon after the end of T20 WC, India will be travelling to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series starting from July 15. So, with MLC ending on June 29, and Ponting serving Washington Freedom in the USA, it will be a very difficult job for the BCCI and the former Australian skipper to come to the conclusion.

BCCI can also look for other options such as Stephen Fleming, who is the longest-serving coach in IPL for Chennai Super Kings. Dravid, who was given a six-month extension post the 50-over World Cup in October-November, has his contract expiring after the T20 World Cup next month. The former India captain has the option of re-applying for the post.

The Indian board on Monday invited applications for the role with a deadline of May 27.

VVS Laxman. File
| Photo Credit: VEDHAN M

National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman could be in-charge of the Indian team for the five-match T20 International series against Australia, which will start within a week after the conclusion of the ODI World Cup.

Head coach Rahul Dravid’s contract will run its course at the end of the World Cup and obviously the BCCI has the option of requesting the former India captain to reapply as the board will have to reinvite applications for the post following the norm.

It will be interesting to see if 51-year-old Dravid wants to continue as head coach of the national team, which involves extensive travelling and constant pressure.

There is a possibility that Dravid, who has previously coached IPL teams like Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, might return to the T20 league fold which has 10 teams.

But it is highly likely that Dravid, as well as the entire squad save Suryakumar Yadav, will be given much-needed rest after a gruelling campaign in which they had to travel more than 10,000 kms across the country.

“VVS Laxman has always been in charge when Rahul has taken a break and same thing is likely to continue for the series just after the World Cup,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

In case fresh applications are invited, Laxman could be a very strong candidate as BCCI has created a process, where the person in charge of NCA and knows the system and pathways inside out, is prepared for the role.

Most of the members in the T20 squad for the Australia series will comprise of players, who were part of the T20 series in the West Indies, Ireland and the Asian Games as the big boys like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah will be given a break to freshen up for the big ticket series against South Africa where India play three T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests.

The five-match T20 series against Australia will begin in Visakhapatnam on November 23.

If Laxman comes on board, Sitansu Kotak will be the batting coach. Kotak is also expected to be the coach of India ‘A’ team for the shadow tour of South Africa.

Dubai, Bengaluru and Mumbai among venues for IPL auction

Dubai has emerged as a front-runner to host the Indian Premier League auction for the 2024 season although Bengaluru and Mumbai are also in contention for the event.

The date is yet to be finalised but an IPL official informed that the operation team is doing a recce of various venues.

“It is a 10-team IPL auction now and it becomes very, very difficult to get hundreds of rooms in a same five-star facility which can house the multiple members of the franchises, the various BCCI officials, operations team, broadcast crew. That’s the reason Dubai remains the favourite venue. But as of now, we are not ruling out Indian cities for auction also.” The Women’s Premier League auction will happen on December 9.

England, Bangladesh to play quadrangular U-19 series in Vijaywada

The BCCI is also keeping no stone unturned to ensure that the next batch of U-19s has a good amount of exposure going into the next year’s U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Right now, the National U-19 One-Day meet is on for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and then a three or four-team Challenger Trophy will be held in Guwahati with the performers of the tournament.

The players who do well in Challengers will then be divided into two Indian teams that will play a U-19 Quadrangular tournament in Vijaywada along with junior teams from England and Bangladesh.

Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Sairaj Bahutule and Munish Bali, the coaching staff of the champion batch of 2022, are once again expected to guide the junior boys for the global meet.

File photo of VVS Laxman.© Twitter