Laxman Not To Accompany Indian Team for T20 series in Ireland
The Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland will be without a head coach, as VVS Laxman has decided not to travel with the squad. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
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Laxman was expected to take charge of the coaching staff for the Ireland tour, as Rahul Dravid and his team are currently in the United States for the final phase of the bilateral series against West Indies. However, Laxman has decided to remain at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he is the head of the coaching staff.
The decision to not travel with the India team to Ireland is a surprise, as Laxman has been involved in the team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. He was also the head coach for the India A team that toured Sri Lanka in June.
It is not yet clear who will be the head coach for the Ireland tour. The BCCI is likely to appoint a temporary coach for the series, or they may ask one of the support staff members to take charge.
The India team for the Ireland tour will be announced on Wednesday. The squad is expected to be a mix of experienced and young players, as the BCCI is looking to give some of the youngsters international exposure.
The three T20Is against Ireland will be played in Dublin on August 18, 22, and 23.
Possible reasons for Laxman’s decision
There are a few possible reasons for Laxman’s decision not to travel with the India team to Ireland. One possibility is that he is simply too busy with his work at the NCA. The NCA is currently undergoing a major revamp, and Laxman is playing a key role in the process. He may have decided that he simply does not have the time to travel to Ireland and take charge of the coaching staff for the T20I series.
Another possibility is that Laxman is not happy with the way the India team is being handled by the BCCI. There have been reports of rifts between the BCCI and the national team management, and Laxman may have decided to distance himself from the team until the situation is resolved.
It is also possible that Laxman is simply taking a break from cricket. He has been involved in the game for a long time, both as a player and a coach, and he may be looking for a break from the hectic schedule.
Whatever the reason for Laxman’s decision, it is a surprise and it will be interesting to see who the BCCI appoints as the head coach for the Ireland tour.
