VVS Laxman front runner to take over as NCA head – – Reports
VVS Laxman Former India skipper Rahul Dravid was recently appointed the head coach of Team India. There were quite a few names in contention but given what Dravid has done for Indian cricket, especially the way he has prepared a strong bench strength working with India A team, he was a pretty obvious choice. Another former India player who was competing with Dravid was VVS Laxman. There were contrasting reports running in media about Laxman’s willingness to coach India. While a few reports stated that Laxman is not interested in taking up the role due to its numerous challenges, few reported the batter is keen on becoming the head coach. The truth has finally been revealed by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly himself. The president revealed that Laxman was keen on becoming India head coach but things couldn’t work out with him. He, however, added that Laxman will get his opportunity to coach India in future. “He was keen on the national team job, but that couldn’t worked out. But somewhere down the line, he will have that opportunity to coach the national team,” Ganguly was quoted by Hindustan Times. Ganguly also revealed how difficult it was to convince Dravid to take up the coaching role. “We had Rahul in mind for a long period of time, both me and Jay, but he wasn’t agreeing because of the time away from home [and] because doing a national team’s job is [about being] on the road for about 8-9 months in a year and he has two young children,” he said. The New Zealand series was Dravid’s first assignment as a full time India coach. India went on to win the T20I and Test series. Meanwhile, Laxman took over as NCA head.)
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly on Sunday (November 14) confirmed that VVS Laxman is the front runner to become the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The former cricketer will replace Rahul Dravid, who is now the head coach of team India. Laxman’s name was doing rounds ever since Dravid was shortlisted for the coaching role.
According to reports in Indian Express, Ganguly has confirmed Laxman’s appointment as NCA head from their side but the final call will be taken by Laxman himself. The BCCI president has always vouched about the need to have former India players in the system. Ganguly played a huge role in getting Dravid on board as the head coach of team India. Laxman’s case is not different as the BCCI president along with secretary Jay Shah were keen to have an India player, who has significantly contributed to Indian cricket, for NCA head.
“Sourav and Jay both would love to have Laxman take up the NCA role. But yes, the final call obviously lies with the former India cricketer as he has a young family also. He is undoubtedly a front runner for the role and not to forget how he has been known to share a special bond with now coach Dravid. It will be the perfect combination to have those two work together towards taking Indian cricket forward. Nothing like having former cricketers coming on board to help produce the next generation of stars,” the BCCI source had said.
Laxman, who is the mentor of the Sunrises Hyderabad (SRH) team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will have to quit the role and take charge of NCA. Like Dravid, Laxman will bring a huge amount of experience and try to build on the base created by Dravid.
