New Delhi: India have created an enviable bench strength that would enable them to dominate for the next 10 years, says BCCI’s head of cricket at its centre of excellence VVS Laxman.
The former national team batter took charge of the erstwhile National Cricket Academy, based in Bengaluru, in 2021 from Rahul Dravid and speaking at the Bengaluru-based centre on Monday said India would reap the rewards of investing in player development.
“I can say with a lot of confidence, barring a couple of skillsets, I think, for the next 10 years, we’ve got a lot of players who will make our country proud. I’m not only talking about men’s, but also women’s as well. We’re blessed to have that kind of talent,” Laxman said.
India won the T20 World Cup in June, having entered the final of the ODI World Cup last year and been the runners-up in last two editions of the World Test Championship. Laxman attributed the consistency to India’s supply chain.
“Everyone talks about why Indian team is at the helm. We won the (T20) World Cup (2024) in the West Indies which was a great result. But if you see all the three formats, we have dominated,” the former right hand batter said.
“Not only the rankings, we have dominated. There is so much of supply chain as far as cricket is concerned. That means the amount of players we have at our disposal, it is a real blessing.”
‘Encouraged to play natural game’
Laxman pointed out that he has kept an eye on the progression of players and tried to create an environment where they are not forced to deviate from their natural game.
“The whole idea is to monitor them, how to groom them, so that they realise their potential. It’s not that we dictate them (players) that you have to do this or you have to change (technique),” the 49-year-old said.
“Ultimately the player should feel comfortable, acknowledging and accepting that option. We don’t want the player to suddenly feel the burden of whose advice he has to listen to.”
Focus on India A tours
The India A tours help grooming players for overseas conditions, with Laxman pointing that a lot of effort is put into arranging these tours.
“Every year we make sure that we have at least two A Series. Sometimes it can be challenging because we want to have an A Series whereas the other boards will be busy with their own domestic cricket. Or they may not be ready to accommodate us,” he said.
“But at least we try to have two A Series. The A programme allows us to go to different parts of the world and get experience. So that when they graduate to the national team, it is not a surprise to them.”
VVS Laxman pointed out that as BCCI’s head of cricket at its centre of excellence, he has kept an eye on the progression of players and tried to harness their natural game. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
