VVS Laxman joins Team India… replaced head coach Gautam Gambhir? Know the matter

London: VVS Laxman has been seen around the Indian team in England for the last two days, but no official information has been given by the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding his presence. Media reports are saying different things about Laxman’s England tour, but one thing is certain that BCCI has not sent him to England with Team India in any official role.

Laxman is currently associated with BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru and is an important part of the Indian cricket system. It is believed that he can talk to the coaches of the Indian team in England and give some important suggestions about playing there, but nothing more than that. It is reported that he can also return from England in a day or two.

Laxman has played a total of 34 first class matches in England, including 11 Test matches which he played on three different tours (2002, 2007 and 2011). Apart from this, he played 16 county matches for Lancashire in 2007 and 2009. He played the remaining 7 matches for India’s touring team which are usually against the English county or ‘Lions’ team.

A BCCI source said- He has gone to England for some other work, he has no official responsibility with the Indian team. He has come to London from Lausanne (Switzerland). Another source said- Team India’s target is to win in England. Laxman may have talked to the coach and selectors or even watched the practice match, but he has no role with this team.

A third source said- He first went to Switzerland, then came to London just to meet the players and spend time. This was part of his plan. According to the information, Laxman had gone to Switzerland to attend a conference, Laxman did not give any answer on this matter.

Laxman’s presence in London was also in the news because Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is not with the team at this time. He has returned to Delhi due to his mother’s ill health. If sources are to be believed, Gambhir can join the team in the next three days or maybe by Monday.

The source said – Gambhir will definitely join the team before the first Test. He has consulted doctors about his mother’s health. Her condition has improved but she is still in the ICU. Gambhir will soon plan his return.

The first Test match will be played in Leeds from June 20. India has recently played a practice match against India A in Beckenham. The team will rest on June 16 and will leave for Leeds on June 17.