India’s congested cricket calendar necessitates another split-coaching arrangement, with VVS Laxman poised to take charge of the national team for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour and the Asian Games campaign.
As the head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Laxman is set to assume this role due to overlapping fixtures. The Asian Games schedule conflicts with the initial phase of India’s home series against the West Indies, requiring head coach Gautam Gambhir to stay with the senior squad for that bilateral series.
The BCCI has previously employed this approach when simultaneous assignments in different locations were necessary. The Centre of Excellence model has consistently provided coaching support, enabling the senior team’s primary support staff to focus on their main assignment while a separate team is deployed elsewhere.
For the Zimbabwe tour, Laxman will be supported by a team familiar with the Indian setup. Former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi is appointed as bowling coach, and former India batsman Hrishikesh Kanitkar will oversee batting duties.
This same coaching team may also continue for the Asian Games, ensuring consistency between the two assignments. Laxman has previously undertaken similar responsibilities, leading Indian teams on overseas tours when the senior coaching staff was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.
This arrangement highlights the increasing congestion of India’s cricket calendar. With bilateral series, global tournaments, and multi-sport events frequently scheduled in close succession, the BCCI has turned to parallel coaching structures to effectively manage player groups across different formats and venues.
Such arrangements also hold significant value for the players. These tours often present younger cricketers with a chance to make their case for selection, while a handful of experienced players may be included based on workload, availability, and the specific demands of the tour. A consistent support structure can facilitate a smoother transition and maintain stability within the team environment.
Laxman’s extensive work with emerging and fringe players at the BCCI Centre of Excellence further qualifies him for these roles. Given that such tours typically blend senior players, promising youngsters, and athletes seeking expanded responsibilities, maintaining continuity in the development pathway remains crucial for the progress of Indian cricket.