Laxman in England, but no official role

Laxman in England, but no official role

VVS Laxman has been seen with and around the Indian team over the past two days. However, there is nothing official about his presence in England.

Sources have offered differing accounts of his visit. What is certain is that he has not been officially assigned a role in England by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As an expert in red-ball cricket and someone officially associated with the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Laxman remains part of the Indian cricket system. It is likely he may speak to the Indian team's coaches and share his insights on playing in England.

A BCCI source said, "He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne." Another source added, "The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here, and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game. But he holds no official role with this team."

It has been learnt that Laxman went to Switzerland for a conference and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the team.

Laxman's presence around the Indian team in London has coincided with the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who returned to Delhi to attend to his mother following her recent hospitalisation. Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team in England within the next three days.

"He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test. He has consulted the doctors about his mother's condition, which has improved although she continues to be in the ICU. But he will plan his return soon," said a source close to Gambhir.

The first Test will be played in Leeds from June 20. India, who completed a practice match against India A in Beckenham, will have a day off on June 16 and will travel to Leeds on the 17th.