After the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2022, Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid and senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been given a break. The interim head coach for the limited-overs series against New Zealand is VVS Laxman, who heads the National Cricket Academy. The three-match T20I series begins on Friday, November 18.

Laxman stated prior to the first T20I match against New Zealand that the batters had been instructed to play fearless cricket while considering the conditions and circumstances. Friday’s first Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be played in Wellington.

“In T20I cricket, we need to play with freedom and fearlessness and we have such players that can go out and express themselves. The message given to them by the captain and management is that they bat fearlessly but also keep conditions and situations in mind and create strategies accordingly,”

said Laxman in a press conference.

Laxman admitted that the shorter format needs more multi-dimensional players, bowlers who can bat and batters who can bowl. 

“More number of bowlers who can bat adds depth to batting lineup and gives freedom to batters to go out and express themselves. That is the need of the format and I am sure that more teams will try getting this in their selection process and identify players who are multi-dimensional,”

he added.

The coach commented on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, noting that he is not only adept tactically but also extremely calm on the field, qualities that are necessary when playing under pressure at the highest level.

 “He is a fabulous leader. We have seen what he has done in the IPL. I have spent time with him from Ireland. His presence and work ethic are exemplary. He is a player’s captain and is approachable. Players confide in him. He leads by example,”

he said.

Laxman said that it is always challenging to play in New Zealand, especially for bowlers and fielders. 

“It is not about the smaller grounds, but the dimensions of the ground. In Wellington and Auckland, there are not normal cricket grounds. The best part of international cricket is that you have to adapt to conditions and situations. I am sure the team will do that. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents, you need to create a strategy and execute it perfectly,”

he added.

Laxman stated that analytics play an important role in the team’s ability to create strategies against not only every player, but also players who are not very familiar with the side, when it comes to strategizing against Kiwi players like Finn Allen. Additionally, Laxman stated that he has enjoyed his career as a coach.

“For me, we should not dive too much into results. It has been enjoyable for me. When I joined NCA, it was about giving back to Indian Cricket. It has been an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with youngsters and it is fulfilling. What I saw in Ireland, that these youngsters are talented, but they always want to learn, grow and improve as players and it is exciting. Their thought process is exciting,”

he added.

Shubman Gill is a match-winner, says VVS Laxman

The lead trainer lauded hitter Shubman Gill, calling him a ‘match-champ’. Laxman stated that the robust domestic cricket structure had the same effect on red-ball cricket as the Indian Premier League (IPL) had on white-ball cricket’s talent pool. 

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Laxman acknowledged that this is indeed the situation and that India is fortunate to have so many young talents from which to choose.

“As selectors, you have to be mindful when a player is supposed to be given breaks as they help him rejuvenate physically and mentally. India has that pool from which we can choose. In white-ball, you need specialists. You need T20I specialists, which will be the way forward. Managing their workload, choosing the talent from the pool we have is a blessing for Indian cricket,”

he concluded.