Batting great VVS Laxman will take charge of NCA as the head of cricket on December 13 along with other coaches after the general body of the BCCI approved the appointments on Saturday (December 4).

Laxman is filling the position vacated by the legendary Rahul Dravid, who took over India’s head coach role after the T20 World Cup 2021, replacing Ravi Shastri.

Besides, former Australia and England bowling coach Troy Cooley’s name was finalized as pace bowling coach of the National Cricket Academy during the Annual General Meeting in Kolkata.

"Laxman's contract has been signed already. His last media assignment is the second Test between New Zealand and India. He will be joining Bengaluru from December 13. He is also for a certain period be in the West Indies for the U-19 ICC World Cup," a senior BCCI official, privy to the development, told PTI after the meeting.

He informed that one among the NCA coaches Hrishikesh Kanitkar or Sitanshu Kotak will don the head coach's hat for the ICC U-19 World Cup 2022.

"We have also finalised all the NCA coaching appointments and it has been minuted," he said.

Meanwhile, Team India will travel to South Africa for three Tests and three ODIs with a 20-player squad in addition to the extra net bowlers. Some among the 20 members will be those who are currently in South Africa for the ‘A’ series.

"Most of them will come back after the third A Test but may be a couple will be selected in the main squad and a few who will be net bowler," the official said.

(With PTI inputs)