TOI Sports Desk
NEW DELHI: VVS Laxman, the former Indian batting maestro, is poised to extend his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year, according to a report from ESPNcricinfo. This decision ensures continuity at the helm of India’s premier cricket development institution.
Laxman’s initial three-year contract, which began in December 2021, was slated to conclude in September 2023.However, his commitment to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Indian cricket has led to this extension. Despite reported interest from an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Laxman has prioritized his role at the NCA.
His leadership will be instrumental in overseeing the transition to the new NCA facility in Bengaluru. The foundation stone for this state-of-the-art complex was laid in February 2022 by former BCCI president Saurav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, and Laxman himself. The new facility signifies a significant investment in the future of Indian cricket and will provide world-class training and rehabilitation facilities for players.
Laxman’s tenure has been marked by a focus on building upon the processes established by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. He has maintained a strong coaching team, including notable figures like Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, all with extensive experience in domestic cricket.
One of the key challenges for Laxman will be revitalizing the India A tour program, which has seen a decline in frequency over the past two years. Under Dravid, these tours, both home and away, played a crucial role in providing aspiring cricketers with valuable exposure and experience against quality opposition.
Laxman’s own illustrious playing career, which saw him amass 8,781 runs in 134 Tests and 2,338 runs in 86 ODIs for India, makes him an ideal mentor for the next generation. His technical expertise, coupled with his understanding of the demands of international cricket, will be invaluable to the young players under his guidance.
The extension of Laxman’s tenure reflects the BCCI’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the NCA. As India continues to assert its dominance in world cricket, the role of the NCA in identifying and nurturing talent becomes increasingly crucial. With Laxman at the helm, the future of Indian cricket remains in capable hands.
Laxman’s initial three-year contract, which began in December 2021, was slated to conclude in September 2023.However, his commitment to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Indian cricket has led to this extension. Despite reported interest from an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Laxman has prioritized his role at the NCA.
His leadership will be instrumental in overseeing the transition to the new NCA facility in Bengaluru. The foundation stone for this state-of-the-art complex was laid in February 2022 by former BCCI president Saurav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, and Laxman himself. The new facility signifies a significant investment in the future of Indian cricket and will provide world-class training and rehabilitation facilities for players.
Laxman’s tenure has been marked by a focus on building upon the processes established by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. He has maintained a strong coaching team, including notable figures like Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, all with extensive experience in domestic cricket.
One of the key challenges for Laxman will be revitalizing the India A tour program, which has seen a decline in frequency over the past two years. Under Dravid, these tours, both home and away, played a crucial role in providing aspiring cricketers with valuable exposure and experience against quality opposition.
Laxman’s own illustrious playing career, which saw him amass 8,781 runs in 134 Tests and 2,338 runs in 86 ODIs for India, makes him an ideal mentor for the next generation. His technical expertise, coupled with his understanding of the demands of international cricket, will be invaluable to the young players under his guidance.
The extension of Laxman’s tenure reflects the BCCI’s confidence in his leadership and vision for the NCA. As India continues to assert its dominance in world cricket, the role of the NCA in identifying and nurturing talent becomes increasingly crucial. With Laxman at the helm, the future of Indian cricket remains in capable hands.