Former cricket player VVS Laxman has received a call from the Lucknow Super Giants offering him a position as a coach for the 2025 IPL. Currently leading the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the 49-year-old is not expected to extend his tenure, which expires in September 2024.
Remarkably, after Rahul Dravid’s term expired, BCCI authorities had discussions with Laxman about Laxman accepting the position of head coach for India. He turned down the invitation, though, stating that he didn’t want to travel with the national team for nearly ten months.
Nevertheless, VVS Laxman—who was previously employed by Sunrisers Hyderabad—is keen to coach IPL clubs, who only need intense focus for three to four months.
In 2023, LSG hired Justin Langer as head coach, and it seems doubtful that they will sever ties with the former cricket player from Australia. In such scenario, Laxman will either come as Director of Cricket, a mentor, or a batting coach. His resume, which includes his time as NCA chief and Sunrisers Hyderabad, is quite impressive and strategically solid.
The Times of India reports that further teams may be considering integrating Laxman into their lineup. Gautam Gambhir, the coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders, recently departed the squad to play for his country, and Abhishek Nayar, the batting coach, is reportedly following suit. The Delhi Capitals may bring in Laxman after parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting, however it’s unclear if the team had discussions with him.
Vikram Rathour is anticipated to succeed Laxman as NCA chief in the meantime. The 55-year-old has been a part of the BCCI family since 2012, when he joined the Indian squad as the batting coach after serving as a national selector.
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Recently, Laxman led the senior men’s squad from India on a trip to Zimbabwe. Laxman probably completed his final assignment with the national team under his leadership as the Shubman Gill-led team thrashed the Chevrons 4-1. Gautam Gambhir is expected to take over after the Sri Lanka series.
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