VVS Laxman to continue as NCA head with contract extension

In a recent development, VVS Laxman is poised to extend his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for at least another year. This extension comes as Laxman's initial contract was due to expire in September. He was appointed to the position three years ago when Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach of the India National Cricket Team.

Laxman's continued leadership at the NCA coincides with the inauguration of a new, state-of-the-art NCA campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The foundation for this ambitious project was laid in January 2022, following a 14-year effort to secure the land, which the government has now leased for 99 years.

The new NCA facility is nearing completion and is expected to be operational early next year. The campus boasts an impressive array of features, including at least 100 pitches, 45 indoor practice pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehabilitation center, lodging facilities, and Olympic-sized pools, among other amenities.

Since taking the helm at the NCA, VVS Laxman has made significant contributions in areas such as injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programs, and the development of roadmaps for senior, age-group, and women's cricket. He will continue to be supported by his current staff members—Sitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar—who have also accompanied the India National Cricket Team during periods when the main coaching staff was on rest.

Laxman was considered a potential candidate for the head coach position of the India National Cricket Team after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended following the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Laxman reportedly did not express interest in taking over the role. He was also approached by an IPL franchise for a head coaching position, but his commitments at the NCA precluded him from accepting the offer.

One of the primary challenges Laxman will face during his extended tenure at the NCA is the resumption of the India A tours, which have been on hold for the past two years. Under Rahul Dravid's leadership, these tours were more frequent, and Laxman is keen to reinstate them as a critical component of Indian cricket's development strategy.