Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman is set to take over as the head of the National Cricket Academy on December 13 in Bengaluru. He will also travel with the India U-19 team for the upcoming World Cup. He will succeed Rahul Dravid, who has recently been appointed as the head coach of Team India.
In the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kolkata, it was also decided that Troy Cooley will be the new pace bowling coach at the NCA. He has previously worked with England and Australia cricket teams as the bowling coach.
“Laxman’s contract has been signed already. His last media assignment is the second Test between New Zealand and India. He will be joining Bengaluru from December 13. He is also for a certain period be in the West Indies for the the U-19 ICC World Cup,” a senior BCCI office-bearer, privy to the development, told PTI after the meeting.
Hrishikesh Kanitkar or Sitanshu Kotak is expected to be named as the head coach of the U-19 team for the World Cup.
“We have also finalised all the NCA coaching appointments and it has been minuted,” he added.
The former Indian batsman was vastly impressed with the way Mohammed Siraj bowled in the first innings. He picked up three early wickets to make inroads in the Kiwi batting line-up. The side without their regular skipper Kane Williamson was bowled out for 62 in their first innings.
Laxman said that Siraj can be the third Indian pacer in South Africa with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami being the first two.
Mohammed Siraj Can Be India’s 3rd Bowler in South Africa: VVS Laxman
What an incredible comeback by the Indian bowlers to bowl New Zealand out for a mere 62. Mohammad Siraj in full swing is one of the great sights to watch & along with Ashwin and Axar doing the job for India in style. India in a commanding position and should be a dominating day 3 pic.twitter.com/tpy2kGxjNG
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 4, 2021
“This would be a difficult decision for Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli. It depends on how many fast bowlers will you play. You know that Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are your first and second choices as far as Test cricket is concerned in overseas conditions. So, will Mohammed Siraj be number 3 or 4?”
“The way he bowled in Australia and England, and even in the second Test – for me, he is the number 3,” Laxman said on Star Sports.
