Renowned cricketer VVS Laxman is set to take the reins as head coach for India’s upcoming short white-ball tour of South Africa. This interim role comes as incumbent national coach Gautam Gambhir prepares for the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
The BCCI confirmed the appointment on Monday. The four-match T20I series, scheduled for November 8, 10, 13, and 15 in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg respectively, was recently added to India’s busy cricketing calendar.
Laxman will be supported by a coaching staff comprising NCA coaches Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh. This experienced trio has previously worked with India’s emerging talent, most recently with the India A team in Australia.
The Indian squad for the South Africa tour, led by Suryakumar Yadav, was announced on October 25. The team is expected to depart for South Africa around November 3.
While the tour has drawn some criticism for clashing with the domestic Ranji Trophy season, it presents an opportunity to assess players ahead of the IPL auction. The T20I series could showcase emerging talent and provide insights into potential auction picks for franchises.
India’s T20I Squad for South Africa:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Rinku Singh
- Tilak Varma
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ramandeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Arshdeep Singh
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Avesh Khan
- Yash Dayal
