(Source X)
VVS Laxman, currently leading the National Cricket Academy, has taken on the role of India’s coach for the ongoing five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. This comes after Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure as Team India’s head coach concluded with their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 victory.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while awaiting the appointment of the new head coach, has enlisted Laxman to guide the youthful Indian squad during the Zimbabwe tour. Laxman’s involvement comes with substantial compensation, reflecting his stature as a batting maestro and mentor.
Following Rahul Dravid’s departure as Team India’s head coach, VVS Laxman has stepped into the role for the Zimbabwe tour.
Rahul Dravid’s impactful stint as India’s head coach spanned over two and a half years, marked by significant strides in the team’s growth. His tenure culminated triumphantly with India securing their second T20 World Cup title in 17 years. Originally set to conclude after the 2023 ODI World Cup, Dravid’s tenure was extended until the recent T20 World Cup in 2024. However, opting to step down to prioritize family time, he decided not to reapply for the position.
In the interim, VVS Laxman, supported by his team from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has taken up the role of head coach for India’s Zimbabwe tour, specifically overseeing the five-match T20I series.
The BCCI is expected to soon formally announce Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the new head coach. Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, is reportedly set to receive a substantial compensation package for succeeding Dravid in this prestigious role.
VVS Laxman will receive 4% of Rahul Dravid’s yearly coaching salary while leading India during the Zimbabwe tour.
However, Rahul Dravid was earning a substantial INR 12 crore annually from the BCCI for his role as head coach. In contrast, VVS Laxman’s compensation for coaching the Indian team on their Zimbabwe tour is significantly lower.
Reports indicate that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will receive INR 10 lakhs per match for India’s series in Zimbabwe, which commenced with the first of five T20Is on Saturday, July 6.
Media sources suggest that VVS Laxman will be paid approximately INR 50 lakhs for his coaching duties during this white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. This amount represents about 4.16% of Rahul Dravid’s annual salary.
It’s worth noting that Laxman has previously filled in as coach during Dravid’s tenure as head coach of India. Despite speculation that he might succeed Dravid permanently, Laxman declined to apply for the top job due to the extensive time commitments required, which often keep the coach away from home for at least 10 months a year.
