‘VVS Laxman was keen on becoming India coach’ : Sourav Ganguly

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.)