Ahead of the test series on India’s tour of England 2025, Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman was spotted during the Men in Blues Intra-squad game in Gautam Gambhir’s absence.
However, no official role is defined as India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is likely to rejoin the side before the start of the test series.
VVS Laxman along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar was in attendance for the preparation match in Beckenham. As per reports, Laxman has been in England on some other purpose and do not have anything with India Team.
“He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne,” said a BCCI source.
“The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here, and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game. But he holds no official role with this team,” the other source said.
The report added that Laxman was in Switzerland for a conference before heading to England.
“He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys. It was always part of his plan,” another source said.
VVS Laxman has been one of the India’s best Test batters and has played 11 tests in England scoring 586 runs at an average of 34.47, with no centuries by five fifties. He has also played 23 FC matches here across County Cricket and India ‘A’ games.
While the doubts raised over Gambhir rejoining the side, it is reported that the Indian head coach will be rejoining the team as early as Monday but will ‘definitely’ be there before the first test.
“He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test. He has consulted the doctors about his mother’s condition, which has improved, although she continues to be in the ICU. But he will plan his return soon,” said a source close to Gambhir in the report.
The first match of the test series will be played between June 20 and 24 at Headingley Cricket Ground.
