File image of Virat Kohli (right) and his wife Anushka Sharma.© AFP

Is Gautam Gambhir being taken seriously by the Indian cricket team members? Former England spinner Monty Panesar has raised an important question as Team India deals with the after-effects of the 3-1 drubbing by Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Since Gautam Gambhir became the Indian cricket team head coach, the side lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka and also got clean-sweeped by New Zealand at home in a Test series.   

Needless to say, Gambhir is under intense scrutiny.

On the question of India trying out a separate format-separate coach strategy, Panesar welcomed the possibility. “I think so. I think that’s a good option,” Panesar, who has 167 wickets in Tests and 24 wickets in ODIs, told Timesofindia.com. 

“I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir…He’s just transitioned into a coach. Sometimes it can be difficult for some of the senior players who actually will be thinking, ‘Well, I was his teammate a few years ago, now he’s telling us how to play cricket’. It can be difficult, that transition, and also his record (as a batter) isn’t great in Australia or in England,” said the former left-arm spinner.

“He (Gambhir) averages 23 in Australia. He doesn’t average well in England either. He didn’t play the moving ball very well,” said Panesar.

The former left arm spinner added that roping in VVS Laxman won’t be a bad option.

“I think the selectors will be thinking ‘is Gambhir taking it seriously as a coach, or should we get him to just focus on ODIs and T20Is, and maybe bring in someone like VVS Laxman, for example (as Test coach)?…Or bring him in as a batting coach to help Gambhir.  He’s similar to Rahul Dravid. He’s been successful in all conditions.

“I think you need some sort of Indian legend, who has done really well in all conditions, to come in as a coach, because then you naturally command that respect,” Panesar added.

The veteran of 50 Tests and 26 ODIs hinted that Laxman may be taken more seriously by all. 

“If Laxman tells ‘you are not going to play the ball on the up when it is swinging’, you listen, right? But with Gambhir, I’m not sure if they really take him seriously, or they’re just saying, ‘okay, yeah, we’ll listen to him, but we’re gonna go and play our natural game’,” Panesar said.

 

File photo of Gautam Gambhir© AFP

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers says he is proud of India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who is excelling in his new role as opener in the national T20I set-up. De Villiers revealed he and Samson have been in touch for a while, and suggested that something has changed in the latter’s game. The former Proteas captain’s remark came after Samson smashed a century in the first T20I against South Africa on Friday, his second triple-figure score in as many games in the format. 

“Sanju Samson, who scored a massive 100. Back-to-back T20 hundreds, absolutely incredible. Am incredibly proud of the guy, I say proud because I do have a personal connection with him. We have been in touch for a number of years now. I have always been a big fan of Sanju Samson, I just love the way he plays, and I always want him to do well,” de Villiers claimed in a video on his YouTube channel.

Striking at 214, Samson hit a 50-ball 107 with the help of 10 sixes and 7 fours in the series opener at Kingsmead, Durban. Having closely observed his game, de Villiers claimed Samson has discovered “another gear” in his game.

“He scored a 100 once at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against RCB, I was on the park and I realised that day, that this guy is something special and he is proving me right. For those of you who have followed Sanju Samson, I haven’t often seen him bat at a strike rate of more than 200, he is generally more conservative, he is usually between 140-160 and both these hundreds he has scored back-to-back have been very very fast and especially this last hundred,” he added.

However, de Villiers doesn’t feel that the current Indian team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has had any influence in Samson’s redemption. In fact, de Villiers feels that Samson has reached a point in his career where he can only improve and take his batting to another level

“Something has triggered there, something has clicked in his game which is absolutely great to watch. The thing about him is that he makes it effortless out there. I don’t see much experimentation going out there. Not a lot of creativity in terms of funny shots, doesn’t seem that he wants to entertain the crowd and please someone, he just sticks in his little bubble and he just is easy on the eye,” said de Villiers.

“Sanju has upped the gear in his game. I hope the selectors are watching this for all the formats. I wan to see this guy play all the formats. I think he is someone who is really really special, someone who can play all the formats, in all conditions around the world. Something has clicked in the Sanju Samson world, whether it’s the coaching staff, I doubt it. No disrespect to VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, whoever is a part of the coaching group. I just feel that this guy has reached the maturity point, he has realised something. It is exciting to all of us Samson fans. I think there is another gear, a sixth gear, I want to see it unfold,” he added.

VVS Laxman will be the head coach of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The former India batter was appointed the interim head coach as Gautam Gambhir will be travelling to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will take on South Africa in four T20Is which will be played in Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion and Johannesburg on November 8, 10, 13 and 15 respectively. While the team for South Africa will depart around November 3, the team for Australia is expected to leave by November 10-11. 

The report further claimed that coaches working at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), like Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh, will be part of the coaching staff under Laxman.

India have handed maiden call-ups to pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak and middle-order batter Ramandeep Singh for the four-match T20I tour of South Africa.

With pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who made a sensational debut in the recent T20 series against Bangladesh, and middle-order batter Shivam Dube unavailable for selection because of injuries, the selectors decided to pick left-arm pacer Vijaykumar to bolster the pace attack that includes T20 World Cup-winner Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Yash Dayal, who was part of the Test squad recently but is yet to make his international debut. Karnataka pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak has done well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last couple of seasons after making his debut for them in IPL 2023.

Another T20 World Cup winner Hardik Pandya will be the most experienced pace option for skipper Suryakumar Yadav in the 15-member squad.

In the absence of late-dasher Shivam Dube, Ramandeep Singh will add more muscle to the middle order which will have Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh as main batters besides skipper Yadav. Ramandeep Singh had played a vital role in the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL2024 triumph with his brilliant late hitting.

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open the innings which seems a given especially after the hundred Samson struck against Bangladesh recently.

Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi are the three main spinners in the squad while Jitesh Sharma will be hoping to share the wicketkeeping duties with Sanju Samson.

India’s squad for 4 T20Is against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.

Former India cricketer and NCA head VVS Laxman on Friday praised Rohit Sharma for taking ownership of the wrong call at the toss in the first Test against New Zealand, saying that he does a “phenomenal job” in leading by example. Rohit’s decision to bat first in the opening Test backfired horribly as India were shot out for a mere 46 inside 32 overs, recording their third lowest total in 593 Tests and lowest-ever in 293 matches on home soil.

The Indian captain fronted the media after end of play on Thursday and acknowledged that he erred in reading the M Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch, while citing that not all calls taken by leadership can always be right.

“For leaders, it’s humanly impossible not to make mistakes. We won the toss and we elected to bat first and it was counterproductive (because) we were bowled out for 46,” Laxman told a gathering at the Security Now 2024 conference by Seclore.

“Who went to the press conference? It was Rohit Sharma. He accepted that ‘yes, I misread the wicket’. Leaders take that ownership of (their) decisions.” “It’s not necessary that every time the decisions are right, but you take the ownership and then whenever the team doesn’t do well, you go and face the flak. Whenever the team does well, you promote the guy who actually requires that recognition and that limelight,” he added.

While citing preparations and having a roadmap as important elements for success, Laxman said great leaders are the best performers in any team and Rohit has done a “phenomenal job” with this Indian team.

“Great leaders are the best performers in a particular team, (a) classical example is Rohit Sharma. What he has done, the way he’s leading the Indian team, is just phenomenal,” Laxman said.

“He (has) told (his teammates) that, ‘okay, this is the style of cricket I want our team to play’, and he’s going out and doing that, (the) selfless style of batting and playing the game. In the bargain, that can (also) impact and affect his performance. But he’s making that decision and that bold statement saying ‘I’ll back you as long as you go out and play the brand I want our Indian team to play’,” he said.

Hopeful of a turnaround in Bengaluru

Laxman said he was confident India can turn the tables on New Zealand in the ongoing Test even as the team was 125 runs behind at the close of play in the second essay with seven wickets in hand.

“I know Sarfaraz (Khan) is batting well and I think Virat (Kohli) is there,” Laxman said shortly before Kohli was eventually dismissed.

“We believe; when I say we, you know, whether it’s me or former players or Gautam (Gambhir) as the head coach, or Rohit as a captain, everyone who’s playing for the country is capable of creating magic.” “I can tell with a lot of conviction that everyone (batters) will go out with only one thought, one frame of mind, which is (that) ‘can I contribute to the country, can I go out and just give 100-150 runs for my bowlers’.

“And if my (India) bowlers get 150 runs, take it from me that we can win this Test match,” Laxman said.

The former batter is banking on the Indian spinners to do their magic in the fourth innings.

“The ball is turning and gripping and we (have) got three wonderful, world class spinners. Whoever is going out to bat, they will go with that mindset,” he added.

Laxman said backing your strength in pressure situations is key, like Sarfaraz Khan did during his unbeaten 78-ball 70.

“Sarfaraz, just before coming here, I saw (him hit) a beautiful six over point. When you’re in a pressure situation, when you are facing an impossible task, can you trust your strengths?” he said.

“Sarfaraz, Yashasvi (Jaiswal) and Rohit played their natural game. Now the end result (is something that) no one can predict, but can the approach and can the frame of mind and mindset be predicted, yes.

“Because that’s in your control and I can tell that everyone will go out with that kind of positive mindset,” he said. PTI DDV AH

Entire India went into a state of mourning as Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, died at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai aged 86. He was among India’s most respected and loved industrialists, who took Tata Group to new heights and touched the fabric of the nation through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy. Even sports stars, including Olympian medallist Neeraj Chopra, Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, and India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, took to social media to pay their tributes to Ratan Tata after hearing the saddening news of his death.

“A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better,” India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma wrote.

A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better. pic.twitter.com/afbAbNIgeS

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 10, 2024

“I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti,” said Neeraj Chopra.

I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti.

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) October 9, 2024

“End of an era.The epitome of kindness, most inspirational, marvel of a man. Sir, you have touched so many hearts. Your life has been a blessing to the nation. Thank you for your endless and unconditional service. Your legacy will live on. Rest in glory, sir,” Suryakumar wrote.

End of an era.

The epitome of kindness, most

inspirational, marvel of a man. Sir, you have touched so many hearts. Your life has been a blessing to the nation. Thank you for your endless and unconditional service.

Your legacy will live on. Rest in glory, sir. pic.twitter.com/mCw0xJ84A7

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) October 9, 2024

“We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji. His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti,” said former cricketer Virender Sehwag.

We have lost a true Ratan of Bharat, Shri Ratan Tata ji.

His life will be an inspiration for us all and he will continue to live in our hearts. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/CvTRS3VYXp

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 9, 2024

Here are some other reactions:

Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He wasn’t just a business leader, but a true inspiration for millions. His dedication, integrity, and impact on India’s growth are unmatched. We’ve lost a giant, but his legacy will endure forever. Rest in peace.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 9, 2024

End of an era as one of the greats of our country, Shri Ratan Tata Ji passes away. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to our country and for being such an incredible role-model. Heartfelt condolences to all his well-wishers and admirers all around the… pic.twitter.com/HKm241WwIF

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 9, 2024

Rest in Peace to an Indian Icon, A role model to many & inspiration to the entire nation. Mr. Ratan Tata, Your legacy will continue to live on forever. pic.twitter.com/1Is2hgkBaZ

— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 9, 2024

RIP Sir Satnam Waheguru Ratan Tata ji will always be in our hearts as one of the builders of modern India.

His leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to ethics and values set a benchmark that will continue to inspire generations. His legacy will forever be… pic.twitter.com/wVeyGXQ9Ct

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 9, 2024

Integrity. Vision. Class. Humility. Dignity……Everything that we want in our public figures embodied in one man. A great Indian. #RatanTata

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 9, 2024

In an official statement, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran paid tributes to Ratan Tata, calling him a “mentor, guide and friend”.

“For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass,” the official statement read.

“Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction,” it further said.

With ANI Inputs

BCCI’s Centre of Excellence chief VVS Laxman said moving patiently through required protocols is more important than trying to achieve a pre-set timeline in the rehabilitation process of injured cricketers. In the last two years, top-of-the-line cricketers such as Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna spent several months at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which is now a CoE, to recover from their respective injuries, sitting out of some high-value matches. But all of them returned to the field fully fit, and, more importantly, their skillsets remained intact despite months of inaction.

Laxman, who will continue to be at the helm for another one year after getting a tenure extension, detailed the process.

“There is a misconception that the timelines have to be met. I understand that sometimes you know that you will be fit in a particular time-frame, but sometimes the recovery won’t be there (in that time) or the result won’t be seen,” Laxman told a select media gathering at the CoE after its inauguration on Sunday.

Laxman said it’s important for players to be patient while going through the rehabilitation protocols.

“I think having patience to follow the protocols is very, very critical, but still sometimes the recovery can be a little late. We have seen Rishabh Pant’s case and we have seen Jassie (Jasprit Bumrah) being here, along with Shreyas, KL, Prasidh…a lot of players. They have really worked hard, showed patience and were rewarded,” he said.

The most vital part of the recovery period, Laxman said, was to remain mentally strong.

“The challenging part of the rehab is that the entire rehab will probably be for two-three hours in the whole day and the rest of the day they (players) have nothing to do.

“Here we are talking about elite sportspersons who actually are busy playing or training six to eight hours, and suddenly they realise that they are confined to the rehab room.

“Once they recover, they progress to the ground (at NCA), but it’s a maximum four to five hours. So, they are required to be mentally strong and not get frustrated,” he noted.

Pant, who suffered a life-threatening car accident two years ago, had been vocal about how he felt frustrated during his rehab due to lack of activity.

Laxman said players also need to understand the importance of healing completely before going back to the field.

“I have been in that situation because as a player when you know the shelf-life is very less, every day you want to be out there in the middle playing as much as possible.

“But you have to accept the fact that you are required to recover properly before going and participating actively at whatever level you are playing. So, it’s important for them to be patient,” he said.

The 49-year-old also said an injury-prevention programme has been put in place to ensure breakdowns don’t happen very frequently.

“Yeah, I think we will be fooling ourselves if we think that no one will get injured, because you’re putting the body on the line. The idea is how to prevent injuries.

“So, what we have done over the last two years is to standardise the fitness standards right from top to bottom. It’s not only the Indian cricket team but even the state teams, you know, have been given various protocols to follow.” Laxman said modern training and rehabilitation facilities at the Centre of Excellence will be extended to domestic players as well.

“In terms of rehab, we have empowered the states and we’ve got telemedicine through which we discuss a case. If the rehab is not going as per plan, then that player is called to the NCA.

“We will have a thorough check and the player will be here for one week. Then we know what the plan is and then we hand over the player back to the state. So that’s again a very good collaborative effort, not just the whims and fancies of anyone,” Laxman said.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman is set to extend his term as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru by at least a year according to ESPNcricinfo. Laxman became the head of the NCA in December 2021 for a period of three years. His contract was set to expire in September this year. According to ESPNcricinfo, an Indian Premier League (IPL) francihse was looking to acquire Laxman’s services, which was not possible because of the duties that he has to look after as the NCA head.

Laxman is likely to be supported by India’s stalwart domestic players as his team of coaches including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar.

Laxman’s extension comes in before the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Saurav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and Laxman laid the foundation stone for the new facility back in February 2022.

The current campus of NCA, located in Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Karnataka, was established in 2000 as a cricket facility of BCCI to train young cricketers identified as potential members of the Indian Cricket Team in future.

It is also used for rehabilitation when players go through an injury. VVS Laxman is the current chief of the NCA.

During his time as the NCA head, Laxman continued the various processes laid by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid.

One of the major challenges for him will be to re-establish the frequency of the India A tour program, which has gradually subdued in the past two years.

Under Dravid’s reign, both home and away tours of India A were quite frequent.

During his playing days, Laxman represented Team India in 134 Tests and garnered 8,781 runs in 225 innings at an average of 45.97. He also struck 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries with his bat, and his best score in the format stands at 281.

He also played 86 ODIs for India, scoring 2,338 runs at an average of 30.76. He scored six centuries and ten half-centuries in the format, with 131 being his best score.

File photo of VVS Laxman© Twitter