VVS Laxman set to be Team India head coach for Zimbabwe tour; Gambhir set to take over from Sri Lanka series - Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is close to finalizing the new head coach of the men's team as Rahul Dravid steps away following the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the upcoming Zimbabwe tour in July will not be the new head coach's first assignment with the team.
Former India player Gautam Gambhir has been reportedly touted to be the next head coach after his success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third title. But, a report from PTI states that the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in July-August will be his first assignment.
With Dravid stepping away from the role and Gambhir only coming into the picture after a while, it will be National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman, who will be in charge of the team for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Laxman has stepped in as head coach of the team, primarily the second-string side, on many occasions when Rahul Dravid and the senior side were on tour or on a break.
"There is a possibility that Laxman along with some of the NCA coaches will travel with the new look squad to Zimbabwe. Laxman and the NCA team has always filled up whenever Rahul Dravid and the first team coaches have been taken periodic breaks during their stint," a BCCI source told PTI.
Laxman was also considered for the vacant head coach role on a long-term basis, but he turned down the role, choosing to remain associated with the NCA.
India's tour of Zimbabwe scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 14
A young side filled with breakthrough stars from the IPL 2024 season will comprise the majority of the squad for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The selection committee are expected to name the squad soon, with either Hardik Pandya or Suryakumar Yadav poised to lead the team.
India's white-ball season will continue with a tour of Sri Lanka, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. The assignment, scheduled to begin from July 27 could likely begin Gambhir's reign as head coach of the team.