VVS Laxman as a Potential Test Coach: A Quiet Case Built on Structure and Trust
VVS Laxman as a Potential Test Coach: When India’s red ball performances declined through the latter part of 2024 and into 2025, discussions within Indian cricket circles began to revisit familiar and trusted names. One such name was VVS Laxman, a figure who has remained deeply involved in Indian cricket since his retirement. While public focus largely stayed on Gautam Gambhir, internal conversations reportedly explored whether Laxman could be a viable alternative for the Test side. This renewed attention invites a closer look at his coaching journey, his philosophy, and his suitability for the most demanding format of the game.
Understanding VVS Laxman’s Coaching Background
Laxman’s transition from elite player to coach was deliberate rather than dramatic. Instead of immediately stepping into a high-profile role, he chose to work within the system. His appointment as Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, placed him at the heart of India’s talent development pipeline. This role allowed him to influence players long before they reached the international spotlight.
His early coaching responsibilities focused on nurturing young and emerging cricketers, including Under-19 prospects, India A regulars, and players returning from injury. This background gave him a deep understanding of technical development, mental conditioning, and the structural challenges faced by Indian cricketers at different stages of their careers.
Early International Coaching Exposure
Laxman’s first exposure to international coaching came in 2022 during India’s tour of Ireland with a second-string squad. The series result, a 2–0 win in T20 internationals, was positive, but the more significant takeaway was the clarity in the team’s approach. Players appeared confident in their roles, and the overall environment was calm yet focused.
Whenever Laxman was later given interim responsibility, this same pattern emerged. In T20 internationals, he coached India in eight matches, winning six, losing one, and drawing one. This translated into a strong win percentage and reflected his ability to manage limited-overs teams effectively, even with changing personnel.
Performance Record in One-Day Internationals
In One-Day Internationals, Laxman’s record is less dominant but still respectable. Across nine matches, India secured five wins, suffered two losses, and saw two games end without a result. While these numbers do not immediately stand out, they suggest competence rather than concern. More importantly, they indicate consistency during transitional phases when squads were often experimental.
A notable highlight of his coaching career was the 2023 Asian Games, where India won the gold medal with a young and relatively inexperienced squad. Many players in that team were facing international pressure for the first time, and the success spoke volumes about Laxman’s ability to prepare cricketers mentally as well as technically.
Why VVS Laxman Is Considered a Strong Internal Option
What truly strengthens Laxman’s case is not just his win-loss record but his understanding of Indian cricket’s ecosystem. Few coaches have worked so closely across multiple levels of the game. Many current Test players have progressed through pathways that were either directly managed or heavily influenced by him.
This familiarity creates continuity. Players trust him, administrators respect him, and his methods align closely with long-term development rather than short-term fixes. For an organization like Board of Control for Cricket in India, such continuity can be valuable during rebuilding phases.
Challenges of the Test Coaching Role
Despite these strengths, coaching India’s Test side presents unique challenges. The role demands authority in selection debates, decisiveness during transitions, and resilience under intense scrutiny after overseas losses. Laxman’s calm and consultative temperament contrasts sharply with Gambhir’s more confrontational style.
This difference could be an advantage when restoring confidence after heavy defeats. However, critics may question whether such a measured approach would be firm enough during periods requiring tough calls, such as dropping senior players or fast-tracking new talent.
Final Perspective
At present, the board has publicly backed Gautam Gambhir. Still, VVS Laxman remains the most credible internal alternative, not because he seeks attention, but because he represents structure, patience, and institutional knowledge. His coaching journey reflects long-term thinking rather than reactive decision-making.
If India chooses stability over dramatic change, Laxman would not represent a risky appointment. Instead, he would be a calculated, system-first choice grounded in trust and a deep understanding of Indian cricket’s inner workings.