Wasim Jaffer picks Gautam Gambhir’s successor as India’s head coach amid ZIM vs IND T20Is

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has backed VVS Laxman to be India’s next head coach after Gautam Gambhir. Laxman is currently performing the role of interim chief coach on the Zimbabwe tour.

Under Laxman, India has taken an impregnable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series. Meanwhile, Laxman was also filing the shoes of Rahul Dravid when the former coach needed a break as a head coach.

Laxman is currently serving as the director of cricket at the NCA, Bengaluru.

“There is no doubt that whenever Gambhir goes, Laxman can be the guy. He has played a lot and worked with these guys a lot. In between, he keeps going with the team on tours. He is a tremendous cricketing brain and a very likeable person who gels well with the players. He could be the perfect change after Gambhir. I don’t see anyone else right now,” Wasim Jaffer said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Jaffer praised the former Indian batter for his character and contributions to Indian cricket.

“He has played a lot of domestic cricket and performed. He is a very nice guy and one of the most loving ones. You will not hear anything bad about him from anyone, he is such a personality. Sachin and Dravid have their own place, similarly, Laxman had his own place. He was a tremendous player too. His innings of 281 especially changed Indian cricket.”

On the other hand, Jaffer praised the bowling duo of Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma after the first game and said the win against Zimbabwe should not be taken for granted after India was stunned by Ireland.

“We spoke about Ashok and Mayank being selected on potential. It was good to see them do well. It is a good sign for the Indian team. Yes, this challenge was against a team we expected to win, but we saw in Ireland that we could not, so we must not take it for granted.”

The former domestic giant reckons Mayank Yadav might not play the red-ball format due to injury woes but wants Prince Yadav and Ashok Sharma to play the Ranji Trophy.

“I don’t think Mayank will play a lot of red-ball cricket as he is injury-prone. I don’t see him playing Ranji Trophy, to be honest. If he plays Vijay Hazare, that is only a lot, as the injuries are a lot. But Ashok Sharma plays. Prince Yadav should also play red-ball cricket, as you get bowling fitness from there itself, to make the foundation strong.”

Unfortunately, Prince Yadav suffered an injury after bowling 1.2 overs in the second T20I against Zimbabwe on Saturday.