Is VVS Laxman Set To Succeed Rahul Dravid As India's Cricket Coach?

Will VVS Laxman replace Rahul Dravid as coach of the Indian cricket team? The possibility cannot be ruled out. The former Indian cricketer and current chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has often travelled with the Indian cricket team in the absence of head coach Rahul Dravid.

Laxman was coach of the Indian cricket team which won a historic gold medal at the Asia Games in China last year. He was kept as a backup option even when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were trying to woo Rahul Dravid for the role two years ago.

Interestingly, Dravid was serving as the chairman of NCA when he took a key role in the Indian cricket team. A Test great like Dravid, VVS Laxman is someone who can make the transition process look really smooth.

Laxman and Dravid forged gritty partnerships during their playing days. Their Test batting styles are proof enough of their discipline. The duo played over 100 Test matches, showcasing their belief in the 'process' which is rated highly in cricket.

Highly revered Laxman is also a visionary and has worked endlessly for the growth of Indian cricket. The soft-spoken former India batter is a shrewd tactician and thus could be the perfect successor to Dravid.

"It is a natural transition (Dravid to Laxman). But if the board members are eyeing a foreign coach, then it is a different story," a source told CricBlogger recently.

BCCI Considering Overseas Coaches?

Former India greats have not shown a lot of interest in taking the high-profile job because of multiple reasons. The money they are getting in IPL is one, and the extensive travelling and commitment to be with the team for 10 months in a year is another.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has also hinted that foreign coaches can also be auditioned. The likes of Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming, and Justin Langer - all coaching in IPL 2024 - are top on the wishlist.

"We cannot determine whether the new coach will be Indian or foreign. It will be up to the CAC, and we are a global body," Jay Shah recently said.

In such circumstances, despite being a top choice, VVS Laxman can once again miss out on being the head coach of the Indian cricket team.