Thu Nov 14 07:01:00 UTC 2024: ## Laxman Emerges as Strong Contender for India Coach Position After Tactical Masterstroke
**Johannesburg:** Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes that VVS Laxman is a “hot” contender for the Indian head coach position after his strategic decision during the third T20I against South Africa. Currently coaching the team in South Africa, Laxman opted to send young Tilak Varma to bat at No.3, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, and the move proved to be a masterstroke. Varma went on to score a century, guiding India to a thrilling 11-run victory.
Ali highlighted Laxman’s decision to maintain a left-right batting order as a key factor. “VVS taught me a thing today,” Ali said on YouTube. “He is the next hot, hot, hot candidate for coaching. He did not send Suryakumar to bat at No.3 as he wanted to maintain the left-right combination. If the Australia tour does not go well for [current coach] Gautam Gambhir, VVS has emerged as a strong option.”
India, now leading the four-match series 2-1, benefitted from Varma’s spectacular 107 off 56 balls. However, the match was almost stolen by Marco Jansen who smashed a stunning 54 off 17 balls in a late assault. The South African all-rounder nearly overshadowed Varma’s brilliant knock with a strike rate of 317.
Despite Jansen’s heroics, South Africa fell short by 11 runs, ending on 208 for 7. Their chase was significantly hampered after Heinrich Klaasen (41) was dismissed with 53 runs needed off the last 14 balls. However, Jansen’s first T20I half-century brought South Africa back into the game, before Arshdeep Singh (3/37) dismissed him in the penultimate over to secure victory for India.
The match saw exciting performances from both sides, but Laxman’s tactical decision has undoubtedly put him in the spotlight as a potential successor to Gambhir, especially if India’s performance in Australia falls short of expectations.
First Piper 