Indian batting maestro VVS Laxman has come up as the front-runner to replace Rahul Dravid as the Director of the National Cricket Academy, ANI reported, citing sources. With a trend, over the past few years, of NCA chiefs and Indian coaches working closely, Indian cricket might witness a Dravid-Laxman partnership again. 

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman orchestrated several match-defining partnerships during their playing days. The two were a part of a 376-run stand, fourth highest in Test history, against Australia in the second innings of the 2001 Eden Gardens Test. In fact, it was their partnership that guided India to become just the third team in the history of the game to win a match despite being forced to follow-on.

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Indian cricket administration might be able to witness the two working together if and when Laxman takes up the role. Rahul Dravid was named as the next Indian coach earlier this week. 

An ANI source said that not just the BCCI chief, but even secretary Jay Shah and other senior officials want Laxman to take up the NCA role. Sourav Ganguly being the BCCI President, Laxman’s appointment will bring back the Ganguly, Dravid and Laxman trio. 

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“Sourav and Jay both would love to have Laxman take up the NCA role. But yes, the final call obviously lies with the former India cricketer as he has a young family also. He is undoubtedly a front runner for the role and not to forget how he has been known to share a special bond with now coach Dravid. It will be the perfect combination to have those two work together towards taking Indian cricket forward. Nothing like having former cricketers coming on board to help produce the next generation of stars,” the BCCI source told ANI. 

VVS Laxman had congratulated Dravid after the latter was announced as the senior men’s team’s head coach. 

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“Absolutely the right man for the job! Rahul Dravid has been a great servant of Indian cricket. As he takes guard for a fresh innings as the head coach, i am sure he will take the team onward and upward. Best wishes to my partner in many an enjoyable stand!!,” the Sunrisers Hyderabad coach said. 

Commenting on his appointment as head coach, Dravid said,” It is an absolute honour to be appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team and I am really looking forward to this role. Under Shastri, the team has done very well, and I hope to work with the team to take this forward. Having worked closely with most of the boys either at NCA, U19 and India A setup, I know they have the passion and desire to improve every day. There are some marquee multi-team events in the next two years, and I look forward to working with the players and the support staff to achieve our potential.”