With the highly anticipated Test series against England looming, the Indian cricket team has encountered an unexpected change in its leadership structure. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has had to return to India due to a family emergency, specifically to tend to his ill mother. In his absence, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has entrusted the experienced VVS Laxman to oversee the team's preparations in England.
Laxman, currently serving as the Head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is already in London in connection with the India U-19 team's tour of the United Kingdom. According to reports, he will now also take on the responsibility of guiding the senior team until Gambhir rejoins the squad. This dual role ensures continuity and provides the team with a familiar face during this crucial period. The U-19 team is scheduled to play five ODIs starting June 27, followed by two Tests in July.
This is not the first time Laxman has stepped in to guide the national team. He has previously served as the interim coach on several occasions, including a T20I series against South Africa, demonstrating his capability to handle the pressures of international cricket. His prior experience with many of the current players, through his role at the NCA and with the U-19 and A teams, further strengthens his position as a suitable replacement. The BCCI's decision to have Laxman step in underscores their emphasis on maintaining close coordination between the senior and youth teams.
The Indian team is currently engaged in an intra-squad practice match in Beckenham, allowing the players to acclimatize to the English conditions. They will then move to Leeds to begin preparations for the first Test, which commences on June 20. Gambhir's absence undoubtedly presents a challenge, but the team's assistant coaches – Sitanshu Kotak, Morne Morkel, and Ryan ten Doeschate – are working alongside Laxman to ensure that the team's training and strategy remain on track.
India faces a significant challenge in this Test series, especially with the absence of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have retired from Test cricket. Additionally, the team will miss the services of Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Mohammed Shami, who is deemed unfit. The onus is on the younger players to step up and perform in the challenging English conditions. Jasprit Bumrah's availability is also limited, requiring careful planning to maximize his impact in the series.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism surrounding the team's prospects. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that India is in "safe hands" and possesses "enough talent" to overcome England. However, he emphasized that the young squad must leave its mark in a territory known for its tough playing conditions. Sarfaraz Khan's recent century in the intra-squad match has further complicated the selection picture, adding to the discussions around the team composition for the first Test. With Laxman's guidance, the team aims to navigate these challenges and put up a strong performance in the upcoming series.
