Legendary batter VVS Laxman has emphasized the importance of establishing top-notch coaches in addition to players. At the BCCI Apex Council meeting on Thursday (July 21), Laxman who took over as the NCA head in December last year spoke about his vision for Indian cricket. He indicated that his vision goes beyond just players.

"It's still early days here at the NCA but my vision, which has found resonance with my wonderful team at the academy, revolves not just around the players. As much as it is imperative to build a strong bench that the various national teams can draw from as required, it is essential that we build a solid bench when it comes to coaches and other support personnel," he said.

"Given how professional the game has become and how much cricket is being played these days, there is bound to be high demand for top-quality skills and S&C coaches as well as physiotherapists and science medicine experts.

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The former cricketer underlined the importance of putting together training programs that will allow individuals in these fields in expressing themselves.

"It's our endeavor that we put together programs at the NCA that help Indian talent to express itself in this department too," he said.

Better coordination and communication with state associations are also urgently needed, according to the 47-year-old.

"The other major endeavor is to enhance communication with state associations so that there is synergy in skills training, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention/management between the NCA and the respective state units. At the end of the day, all of us are committed to providing the best environment for the players to thrive in, and it is, therefore, crucial that we are all on the same page on all things,"  he added.

(PTI INPUTS)