In a strategic move for India’s upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, former Indian middle-order stalwart VVS Laxman has been appointed as the head coach. According to a report by Cricbuzz on Monday (October 28), Laxman will step in for Gautam Gambhir, who will accompany the Indian Test team to Australia for their five-match series against the Baggy Greens.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Laxman’s temporary assignment for the South Africa series, beginning on November 8 in Durban, with the following matches scheduled for November 10 in Gqeberha, November 13 in Centurion, and November 15 in Johannesburg. Laxman, who has held a prominent role at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since 2021, has previously served as India’s head coach, most recently during the July 2024 Zimbabwe tour. He will work alongside support staff members Sairaj Bahutule, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh for this series.
India’s T20I squad, announced on October 25, will be captained by Suryakumar Yadav, the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain. Known for his explosive batting style, Yadav has led India to two consecutive T20I series sweeps and is eager to secure a hat-trick of series victories. India previously faced South Africa in a T20I series in December 2023, which ended in a draw. During that series, Yadav delivered a stunning century in Johannesburg, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed a five-wicket haul.
The BCCI’s 15-member squad for the series includes key players such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Hardik Pandya. The lineup also features promising bowling talent with the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
India T20I Squad:
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.
The T20I series will be a test of India’s bench strength and leadership under Suryakumar Yadav as they look to make a mark in South Africa, aiming to carry forward their momentum from recent successes.
