No official role for VVS Laxman despite presence in England thereby raising curiosity about his presence there.
Laxman in England, but no official role.
Over the previous two days, VVS Laxman has been spotted with and around the Indian team, but his presence in England is not officially confirmed. His travel to England has been described differently by a number of sources, but one thing is for sure: the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not formally given him a role in England.
Laxman continues to play a significant role in the Indian cricket system as a red-ball specialist and an official member of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He might probably talk to the coaches of the Indian squad and offer his advice on how to play in England, but that would be about it.
Laxman has participated in 34 first-class games for England, including 11 Test matches over three visits in 2002, 2007, and 2011. During the 2007 and 2009 County editions, he played 16 of his other 23 FC games there for Lancashire. The remaining seven were matches between Indian touring teams and Lions, county teams, etc.
“He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne,” said a BCCI source. Another source added, “The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here, and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game. But he holds no official role with this team.”
Yet another source said, “He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys. It was always part of his plan.”
Since head coach Gautam Gambhir returned to Delhi to care for his mother after she was recently admitted to the hospital, Laxman’s presence around the Indian squad in London has sparked some interest. Within the next three days, if not as early as Monday, the head coach is anticipated to return to the club in England.
“He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test. He has consulted the doctors about his mother’s condition, which has improved although she continues to be in the ICU. But he will plan his return soon,” said a source close to Gambhir.