Laxman emphasizing that he was merely filling in as Gambhir was on break.
Legendary batter VVS Laxman is being tipped as the successor to Gautam Gambhir for the role of head coach of the Indian men's cricket team.
Laxman currently serves as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and has often stepped in as India's stand-in head coach when the primary coach is rested.
As interim coach, Laxman guided India to 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe in Harare. This result comes after the Men in Blue suffered back-to-back whitewash against Ireland (2-0) and England (4-0).
After the third T20I against Zimbabwe, however, Laxman dismissed the speculation that he will permanently replace Gautam Gambhir as the Indian chief coach.
Laxman emphasizing that he was merely filling in as Gambhir and his senior support staff were granted a break following a grueling UK tour.
“Look, captain, the head coach, and the support staff of the senior team, you know, they just finished their series in England, and they're going to have a Test series in Sri Lanka. So, this is the only break they have, and that's the reason I chipped in. This has been happening for the last four years, since the time I took on the role of the Head of Cricket at the COE,” Laxman told reporters.
Laxman expressed deep satisfaction with his coaching role, while also highlighting player development, the pathway program, and BCCI support.
“For me, it's a great opportunity to spend time with the players. You know, in this role, it's been quite a fulfilling experience, where I'm not only working with the senior Indian cricketers, both men and women, but also being part of the entire pathway program.
“Credit to the BCCI, they've invested a lot of time, effort, and money into the development programs, and I think me, taking care of that has been a very satisfying role so far," Laxman remarked.
Although Laxman has done well as interim India head coach, it is highly unlikely that he will be seen in the role anytime soon for any bilateral series.
However, Laxman is set to coach the team at the 2026 Asian Games as the continental event will overlap with the opening leg of India's home series against the West Indies.
Regular coach Gautam Gambhir will stay with the senior team for the concurrent West Indies ODI series, while Laxman will take charge of the squad travelling to Japan.