![India A support staff for New Zealand tour locked in [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792243249746_VVSLaxman.jpg?type=hq)
India A support staff for New Zealand tour locked in [Source: AFP]
The build-up to India's tour of New Zealand has been long and intense, with the team set to play all three formats starting October 22. Notably, India A is also scheduled to play three unofficial Test matches alongside the main team's white-ball leg.
While Gautam Gambhir and co. will take charge of the main team, as usual, the BCCI has also locked in the support staff for India A. VVS Laxman’s presence, though, is uncertain, with just a week to go for the first match.
Lakshmipathy Balaji and co. to travel with India A
With the first unofficial Test set to kick off on October 24, the Indian contingent is all in readiness to board its flight to New Zealand. Usually, the India A matches are taken care of by the BCCI Centre of Excellence staff, and it will once again be the case for the New Zealand series.
The last time the COE took charge of the Indian team, they won the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Now, according to Cricbuzz, VVS Laxman’s support staff will travel to New Zealand for the three unofficial Tests, but there is no clarification on whether the COE chief will also head Down Under.
Former India and Tamil Nadu pacer, Lakshmipathy Balaji, who was India A head coach against Australia A, will be the pace bowling coach, alongside Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the batting coach and Sunil Joshi as the spin bowling coach. Furthermore, a physio and trainer will also travel with the team.
India A support staff for New Zealand tour
- Head Coach – N/A*
- Batting Coach – Hrishikesh Kanitkar
- Pace Bowling Coach – Laxmipathy Balaji
- Spin Bowling Coach – Sunil Joshi
- Physio – Thulasi
- Trainer – Harrsha
*- Information on VVS Laxman awaited.
India A stars look to impress for Tests
While Inida A tour of New Zealand presents a great opportunity to players on the periphery of the main team, it will also play a key role for a few players to cement a place in the main team for the first Test.
The players on the periphery will be the likes of Yash Rathod, Ravichandran Smaran and Auqib Nabi, among others. However, the primary focus will remain on how the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel perform. Akash Deep has been included in the main team and will eye a spot in the XI as the third pacer as well.
