With the five-match Test series between India and England set to begin on June 20, there has been a lot of buzz around Team India’s preparations—especially with head coach Gautam Gambhir briefly away due to a personal emergency.
While Gambhir returned home to attend to his ailing mother, VVS Laxman, Head of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence), was spotted with the team in England, sparking speculation about his role.
VVS Laxman’s Visit: Not an Official Assignment
According to a Cricbuzz report, Laxman was seen in London with the Indian squad. However, BCCI sources have clarified that he is not on any official assignment with the team.
“He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne,” a senior BCCI official said. Another source added that Laxman may have had conversations with selectors and coaching staff and possibly attended an intra-squad game, but emphasized he holds no formal role with the team on this tour.
In fact, one insider explained, “He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys. It was always part of his plan.”
Gautam Gambhir Expected to Rejoin Squad Soon
Gambhir, who is expected to be India’s full-time head coach, left the squad temporarily to be with his mother, who remains in the ICU. Despite her condition, sources close to the coach say she is recovering, and Gambhir is likely to rejoin the team on June 16 (Monday). If not by then, he will certainly be back in time for the first Test.
“He has consulted the doctors about his mother’s condition, which has improved. He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test,” said a person close to the development.
Laxman has stepped in on previous occasions when Rahul Dravid was unavailable, and while it raised similar speculation this time, his current presence is purely informal. With Gambhir’s return imminent, there seems to be no plan for a coaching change or temporary replacement ahead of the high-stakes England tour.
