VVS Laxman Poised For IPL Return At Lucknow Super Giants; Vikram Rathour To Lead NCA

VVS Laxman is reportedly set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour is expected to replace him as the chief at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The Times of India reports that Laxman, who also served as interim head coach, has been approached by LSG for a coaching or mentor role ahead of IPL 2025. The franchise, owned by Sanjeev Goenka, already has Justin Langer as head coach.

Laxman may be considered for the mentor position left vacant by Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir served as LSG's mentor for their first two seasons before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024. This role remained unfilled as LSG missed the playoffs earlier this year.

According to Sports Tak, Laxman does not wish to extend his tenure at NCA, which ends in September. Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lined up Rathour to take over the role in Bengaluru.

"It is very likely that you may see Rathour heading NCA. For now, a call on VVS Laxman's contract renewal is pending, but the conversation from his side is not positive," a source stated.

Laxman's Previous IPL Experience

LSG might be looking to add Laxman due to their lack of significant Indian presence in their support staff last season. Laxman has prior IPL experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad until he replaced Rahul Dravid at NCA in November 2021.

Rathour was brought in as batting coach in 2019 and served under Ravi Shastri until 2021 and then under Dravid until their contracts ended after the T20 World Cup last month.

A report suggests that Laxman could join the Lucknow-based team to fill the void left by Gambhir, who recently became head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Laxman has already held discussions with the Sanjeev Goenka-owned franchise about a potential role. This move would bring his expertise back into IPL action.

The transition at NCA and potential shift for Laxman highlight ongoing changes within Indian cricket's coaching landscape.