The esteemed chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), VVS Laxman, is set to step in as the interim head coach for the Indian cricket team, taking over from Gautam Gambhir for the upcoming short T20I tour to South Africa, as per reports circulating in the media. This highly anticipated series will see India face off against the South African team in four T20 matches scheduled for November 8, 10, 13, and 15. The Indian squad is expected to depart for South Africa on November 4, embarking on this crucial assignment.
Excitingly, it is important to note that the team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is scheduled to leave on November 10-11, as the first match of this prestigious Test series is set to commence on November 22 in Perth. The tour to South Africa was not part of the original itinerary and was arranged recently to provide players with additional game time. Meanwhile, Gambhir’s focus will remain on preparing the squad for the BGT.
Joining Laxman on this tour will be a talented group of NCA coaches, including Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kantikar, and Subhadeep Ghosh, who will collectively form the support staff for the Indian team in South Africa. Notably, Bahutule will assume the role of head coach, while Kantikar will oversee batting and Ghosh will focus on fielding, drawing from their recent experience with the India A team at the Asia Emerging Cup held in Oman, where they reached the semifinals before being eliminated by the eventual champions, Afghanistan A.
In his coaching career, Laxman has previously assumed the role of interim coach on multiple occasions, stepping in for then-head coach Rahul Dravid. Under his strategic guidance, India achieved a remarkable 4-1 series victory against Zimbabwe in T20Is, highlighting his effectiveness in the role. Additionally, Laxman led the Indian squad to Ireland on two separate occasions, further enriching his coaching experience on the international stage.
India’s T20I squad for South Africa tour: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, Yash Dayal.
India vs South Africa T20I Schedule
1st T20I – November 8 – Kingsmead, Durban
2nd T20I – November 10 – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd T20I – November 13 – SuperSport Park, Centurion
4th T20I – November 15 – The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
**Interview with VVS Laxman on His Interim Coaching Role for the Indian Cricket Team**
**Editor**: Good morning, VVS. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today as you take on the role of interim head coach for the Indian cricket team. How are you feeling about this opportunity?
**VVS Laxman**: Good morning! I’m thrilled and honored to step in as the interim head coach. Leading this talented group of players, even for a short tour, is a significant responsibility, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.
**Editor**: The team is set to face South Africa in four T20 matches. What are your thoughts on the importance of this series, considering the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy?
**VVS Laxman**: This T20I series serves as an excellent platform for the players to showcase their skills and build momentum, especially with bigger challenges ahead in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Every match is an opportunity for players to make their case for selection in the Test squad, and I want to maximize that potential during our time in South Africa.
**Editor**: Are there any particular strategies or focuses you plan to implement during this tour?
**VVS Laxman**: Absolutely. We will focus on solidifying our batting approach and ensuring that we adapt quickly to the conditions in South Africa. T20 cricket requires a sharp mindset and flexibility, so working on situational awareness will be key. We also want to encourage player expression and creativity within the framework of our game plan.
**Editor**: You’re stepping in quite close to the departure date for South Africa. How do you plan to prepare the team in such a short time?
**VVS Laxman**: Time is always of the essence in cricket, especially with the travel schedule. We’ll have a focused training camp before departure, emphasizing reviews of player performances, understanding match situations, and fine-tuning strategies. Communication will be vital, so I’m keen to develop a rapport with the players quickly.
**Editor**: Lastly, do you have a message for the fans as the team gears up for this tour?
**VVS Laxman**: Yes, I would like to remind our fans that every match is a chance to witness some extraordinary talent. Your unwavering support inspires the players, and we will do everything we can to make you proud in South Africa and beyond. Let’s hope for some thrilling cricket ahead!
**Editor**: Thank you, VVS, for sharing your insights. Best of luck for the upcoming series!
**VVS Laxman**: Thank you! I appreciate it.
Believe this tour will provide crucial game time and experience for them.
**Editor**: With your extensive coaching experience, including your previous roles, what strategies do you plan to implement during this series to maximize the team’s performance?
**VVS Laxman**: Our focus will be on encouraging a positive and aggressive approach. We want the players to express themselves freely on the field while executing fundamental skills. I aim to instill confidence and ensure that the team functions as a cohesive unit. The support staff, including Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kantikar, and Subhadeep Ghosh, will be instrumental in specific areas like batting and fielding, so we’ll be working closely together.
**Editor**: Speaking of support staff, what do you think each of them brings to the table, especially after their experience at the Asia Emerging Cup?
**VVS Laxman**: Each coach has a unique style and area of expertise that enriches our plans. Sairaj has a strong understanding of game strategy and player management, which is critical for leading the team. Hrishikesh’s focus on batting will help our players fine-tune their techniques, and Subhadeep’s emphasis on fielding will ensure we excel in that department. Their recent success with the India A team shows they can handle high-pressure situations, which will be vital in this series.
**Editor**: As you embark on this journey to South Africa, what message do you have for the players and fans?
**VVS Laxman**: To the players, I would say embrace the challenge and play with passion! For the fans, your support means everything, and we aim to make you proud with our performance. We are committed to giving our best on the field, and hopefully, we can bring home positive results!
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, VVS. Best of luck as you lead the team in this exciting T20I series against South Africa!
**VVS Laxman**: Thank you! I appreciate it and look forward to the series ahead.