Cricket fans are gearing up for an unexpected turn of events as former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman assumes the role of head coach for India during their short yet highly anticipated white-ball tour of South Africa. Laxman is stepping in for the current national coach, Gautam Gambhir, who will be leading the team’s preparations for the intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
This was confirmed by a senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, shedding light on how the four-match T20I series came to be. Initially unplanned, the series resulted from recently concluded negotiations between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa (CSA), underscoring the dynamic nature of international cricket scheduling, which often involves collaboration and compromise between cricketing boards around the world.
The Indian team is set to compete in a series of four Twenty20 Internationals, with matches scheduled in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg. The matches will take place on November 8, 10, 13, and 15. The team comprising India’s best will depart around November 3, while those involved in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Test series, will be preparing to embark on their journey to Australia between November 10 and 11.
Laxman’s coaching ensemble will include other distinguished figures from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Notably, Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh will be crucial members of the coaching staff. These coaches have already proven their mettle, having led the India Emerging side in the Asia Emerging Cup tournament held in Oman. Bahutule will continue in his capacity as head coach, while Kanitkar will oversee the batting strategies and Ghosh will refine the squad’s fielding performance. Moreover, Sitanshu Kotak from Saurashtra and Mazhar Moidu of Kerala have traveled with the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India A team to Australia, emphasizing the depth of talent and experience within the Indian coaching framework.
A 15-member squad under the leadership of the in-form Suryakumar Yadav was revealed by the BCCI on October 25. Yadav is well-accomplished and known for his fine stroke play in the shorter format.
. The team also includes notable players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, promising exciting cricket as these athletes bring their unique flair to the pitch. Wicketkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma, each known for their sharp reflexes and ability to turn a game with the bat.
While the prospect of this tour excites many, it has not been without its detractors. Some critics, including former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, have raised concerns about the timing of the series. Gavaskar expressed his opinion in Sportstar, stating, “Next month, there’s a needless four-match T20 series in South Africa before the tour to Australia. There will also be an ‘A’ team touring Australia next month, so effectively about 50 to 60 players will not be available for their State teams in the premier national tournament, the Ranji Trophy.” This critique underscores the potential strain on the domestic cricket structure in India due to overlapping schedules.
Nevertheless, a significant benefit of this series is its timing just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The performances in these T20Is could significantly boost the stock of players, as franchises assess and decide who will be hotly pursued during the auctions. This opportunity could shape the careers of rising stars, providing them with a grand stage to showcase their abilities against an international side.
The T20I squad comprises of a mix of young talent and seasoned players, including Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, and Yash Dayal. This roster promises a blend of explosive batting, sharp fielding, and a versatile bowling attack, setting the stage for riveting cricket against South Africa.
As fans and experts keep a close watch on this series, they are hopeful that VVS Laxman’s leadership will inspire the squad to perform with zeal and brilliance, adding another thrilling chapter to India’s cricketing legacy.