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Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would not mind quitting international cricket if the system demands it, but the health of Indian cricket cannot rest solely with head coach Gautam Gambhir. This, sources told CricBlogger, was the sentiment both legends conveyed to BCCI mandarins after the Lord’s ODI against England.
With a growing feeling within the team that Gambhir does not have the same cricketing achievements or stature as Kohli and Rohit, the BCCI is believed to be working on a formula to bring greater stability to the dressing room. As part of that exercise, a bigger role for former India player VVS Laxman is being considered and a decision could be taken soon.
According to BCCI sources, Laxman could be considered for several roles — including as head coach alongside Gambhir, chief selector, or an overall director who would have the final say on Indian cricket matters. “A similar role was offered to Dhoni as well, but he turned it down,” another source pointed out.
As reported by CricBlogger, Gambhir is steadily losing credibility amid persistent complaints from senior players. However, the board is not in favour of a knee-jerk reaction and is unlikely to immediately remove either Gambhir or chief selector Ajit Agarkar. What it wants, instead, is greater consistency and balance in the way team matters are handled.
The board has also found inconsistencies in Agarkar’s selection process, particularly after he appeared to change his position on a player from one occasion to another. Gambhir, meanwhile, has his own strong views on how the team should be run. The disconnect between the coach, selectors and senior players is now seen as causing considerable damage to the dressing room environment.
The BCCI believes it needs someone like Laxman, who carries no baggage and has consistently worked for Indian cricket without seeking the limelight. Even when Gambhir opted out of taking up certain responsibilities, Laxman stepped in and coached the senior team without making much fuss. His credentials as a former India player are also considerably stronger than Gambhir’s in terms of international experience.
“He also doesn’t have an IPL baggage and doesn’t promote any corporate interests. He is the perfect man to be with the team,” a source said.
Laxman’s presence could also help bridge the gap between Gambhir and the selectors. Sources said senior cricketers, too, are convinced that he could be the right person to bring greater authenticity and credibility to the system because he has no personal agenda.
“It’s a system that would revamp the ongoing practice,” the source added.
The idea, therefore, is not necessarily to remove Gambhir overnight but to create a structure in which the coach, selectors and players operate within a more clearly defined framework. Laxman, if given the proposed overarching role, could emerge as the ultimate voice in Indian cricket — providing the stability the board now believes is urgently required.
