VVS Laxman approached by Lucknow Super Giants to join franchise ahead of IPL 2025

Former India batsman and current director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, VVS Laxman, has reportedly been approached by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to join the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025.

VVS Laxman was the first choice of BCCI to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India. However, Laxman turned down the offer as he was not willing to travel with the Indian team for 10 months a year.

Before taking up the NCA role, Laxman was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad coaching staff as their mentor. Hence, the LSG franchise is keen on roping in Laxman to fill the team mentor position left vacant by Gautam Gambhir, who has moved to KKR for the IPL 2024.

There is nothing concrete yet. However, LSG management has had informal talks with Laxman.

Sources have also indicated that Laxman is not willing to continue as the NCA chief, a position he has held since 2021. His term ends in September and there is rife speculation that Laxman will not seek an extension from the BCCI at the NCA.

Laxman had moved to Bengaluru from Hyderabad with his family for a job with the NCA, but now he has feelers of several IPL franchises.

Meanwhile, rumour has it that Vikram Rathour will be the next NCA chief. Rathour was India’s batting coach under Ravi Shastri and then Rahul Dravid. Before that, Rathour was a national selector and has been part of the BCCI ecosystem since 2012.

(Times of India report)