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A former Indian cricketer is all set to take on the role of head coach for Team India’s upcoming white-ball tour of South Africa. This decision comes as the incumbent national coach, Gautam Gambhir, will be focused on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 preparations in Australia.
Legendary batter to lead India during South Africa tour
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that VVS Laxman will step in as the head coach for the tour. Laxman, who is a respected figure in Indian cricket, will oversee the team during the four-match T20I series.
Notably, India are scheduled to play the T20Is in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg on November 8, 10, 13, and 15 respectively. The Indian squad will depart for South Africa around November 4, while the team heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will leave between November 10-11.
Coaching staff to be backed by NCA experts
Laxman will be supported by coaches from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The coaching staff will include Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. Bahutule, who has experience as a head coach, will be joined by Kanitkar (batting coach) and Ghosh (fielding coach). They were previously part of the coaching setup for the India Emerging side at the Asia Emerging Cup in Oman. Other NCA-affiliated coaches, Sitanshu Kotak and Mazhar Moidu, are currently accompanying the India A team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad on their tour of Australia.
Also READ: BCCI announce India’s T20I squad for South Africa tour, includes 3 uncapped players
Suryakumar Yadav to lead India in the T20Is
Recently, the BCCI named a 15-member squad for the T20I series, with Suryakumar Yadav taking the reins as captain. The squad includes familiar faces like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya, with promising talents such as Tilak Varma, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi also making the cut. The series is seen as an opportunity for players to prove their mettle ahead of the IPL auction.
How the new coach’s appointment could benefit Team India
Laxman’s appointment as head coach for the South Africa tour could bring several benefits to the team. Known for his calm demeanor and technical acumen, Laxman has been pivotal in grooming young talent at the NCA. His experience and ability to mentor emerging players could help India test its bench strength and prepare future stars for bigger challenges. The T20I series might also serve as a platform for youngsters to gain invaluable exposure and make a case for themselves ahead of future tournaments.
