Vikram Rathour likely to replace VVS Laxman as NCA Head in September - Reports 

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour could take up the role of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head in September, once VVS Laxman's current contract comes to an end. The role is reportedly up for grabs as Laxman is unwilling to renew his current deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after having taken on the role in late 2021.

Rathour served as the batting coach of the Indian team from 2019 onwards when he took over from Sanjay Bangar. He retained the role during the coaching transition period when Rahul Dravid took over from Ravi Shastri as the head coach. The former batter's tenure as batting coach came to an end with Team India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Laxman, on the other hand, did not throw his hat into the ring for the vacant head coach role with Team India, nor is he willing to continue as NCA head. During his tenure, he played a huge hand in overseeing the youngsters and the injured candidates. He also served as stand-in head coach when Team India had multiple tours aligned together or in the absence of Rahul Dravid.

Laxman recently guided the second-string squad to a 4-1 series win in Zimbabwe, as the BCCI finalized the appointment of Dravid's successor. Before that, he was the head coach for the home T20I series against Australia right after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“It is very likely that you may see Rathour heading NCA. For now, a call on VVS Laxman’s contract renewal is pending, but the conversation from his side is not positive,” the source was quoted as saying by Sports Tak.

“Rathour might be asked to take charge at NCA. The BCCI secretary (Jay Shah) after the ICC meeting is likely to have a word with VVS to understand his side,” the source added.

Before he was appointed NCA head, VVS Laxman served as the mentor of the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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BCCI is yet to finalize Vikram Rathour's replacement as Team India's batting coach

The role of batting coach in the national team setup is still vacant after Rathour's contract came to an end in June 2024. Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has recommended Abhishek Nayar for the same, but the BCCI is yet to come to a final decision.

Team India are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is, with the matches set to begin from July 27 onwards.