Laxman in England, but no official role

INDIA TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2025

Laxman in England, but no official role

by Vijay Tagore • Last updated on

Laxman's presence around the Indian team in London has raised some curiosity as it has coincided with the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir © Getty

VVS Laxman has been seen with and around the Indian team over the past two days, but there is nothing official about his presence in England. Various sources have offered differing accounts of his visit to England, but what is certain is that he has not been officially assigned a role in England by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As an expert in red-ball cricket and someone officially associated with the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Laxman remains very much a part of the system of Indian cricket. It is likely that he may speak to the Indian team's coaches and share his insights on playing in England - but nothing more, if not nothing less. Word is, he may leave England soon - possibly within a day or two.

Laxman has played a total of 34 first-class matches in England: 11 Tests across three tours - 2002, 2007 and 2011. Of his other 23 FC matches there, 16 were for Lancashire across the 2007 and 2009 County editions. The other seven were the games for Indian touring sides against Lions/county sides, 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." It has been learnt that Laxman went to Switzerland for a conference. Laxman did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Laxman's presence around the Indian team in London has raised some curiosity as it has coincided with the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who returned to Delhi to attend to his mother following her recent hospitalisation. It is understood that the head coach is expected to rejoin the team in England within the next three days, if not as early as Monday.

"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.

The first Test will be played in Leeds from June 20. India, who completed a practice match against India A in Beckenham, will have a day off on June 16 and will travel to Leeds on the 17th.

© Cricbuzz

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