Over the last two days in England, Indian Test veteran VVS Laxman has been spotted in and about the Indian squad. The reason for his visit, however, has not been formally communicated. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acknowledged that he has not been given any official position during this trip, despite the fact that multiple sources have conjectured about his arrival.
Officially, VVS Laxman is connected to the Bengaluru-based BCCI Centre of Excellence.
It is thought that he may be in England to talk to the coaching staff and share his knowledge of how to play in England.
In English cricket, the red-ball legend has a long and illustrious history. He has participated in 34 first-class games in England, including seven for India’s touring teams against the England Lions or county teams and 16 for Lancashire. In three tours in 2002, 2007, and 2011, he played in 11 Test matches for India.
“He wasn’t assigned to the Indian team; he went there for another reason. According to a BCCI source, he travelled from Lausanne to London.
“Winning in England is the goal, and he might have talked to the coaches and selectors in attendance as well as maybe even gone to the intra-squad match. However, according to a different source, he has no formal position with this team.
“He just dropped by London to hang out with the boys before heading to Switzerland. According to a different source, that was always a part of his strategy.
Gambhir is anticipated to join the team prior to the Headingley Test.
After his mother was recently admitted to the hospital, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir recently travelled back to Delhi to be with her. He is anticipated to return to the Indian squad in England in the following three days, as this was reportedly a personal visit.
“He will undoubtedly return to the squad prior to the opening Test. His mother’s condition has improved, but she is still in the intensive care unit. He has discussed this with the physicians. However, he intends to return soon,” a person close to Gambhir stated.
On June 20, India and England will play their first Test match at Headingley, Leeds. Before heading to Leeds on June 17 to start their last preparations for the first Test, the Indian squad will take a day off on June 16. They just finished a practice match against India A in Beckenham.