Surprising reports from England during Gautam Gambhir's absence ahead of ENG vs IND series

In the absence of head coach Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman was spotted at Beckenham during India's intra-squad match ahead of the five-match Test series against England, starting this Friday.

As per multiple reports that came straight from the UK, it suggested that Laxman was closely monitoring the multi-day practice match along with the BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. Gambhir had to take a flight back to India because of his ailing mother; he has to join his family before the series begins.

VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence, mainly spent his time with the emerging players. The reason is not clear why he was in Beckenham before the all-important series versus England. There are multiple claims about his arrival in the UK, but all of the reports are suggesting something different. So, as of now, there is no clear indication why the former Indian cricketer was there.

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In a media report it is said, "The target is to win in England, and he may have spoken to the coaches and selectors present here and perhaps even attended the intra-squad game." But he holds no official role with this team."

As of now, the reason is not clear

But another quotation suggested, "He went to Switzerland and simply stopped by in London to spend time with the boys." It was always part of his plan." Among the contrary reports, there are now strong beliefs that Laxman was in Switzerland for a conference before heading to England. But there is no official confirmation from the board of the 50-year-old. 

Whatever the reason might be, his arrival could help the team a lot. He played 11 Tests in England and scored 586 runs at an average of 34.47, including five half-centuries. Laxman played in the county as well, for Lancashire in a couple of seasons.