Former India Captain Sunil Gavaskar has endorsed Laxman Sivaramakrishnan‘s pursuit of a coaching position in the Indian Premier League (IPL), arguing that franchises should make greater use of former Indian cricketers who can offer technical guidance and communicate effectively with younger domestic players.
His comments follow Sivaramakrishnan’s public approach to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka, seeking an opportunity to work with the franchise’s spin bowlers.
Writing in his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar said, “It was interesting to read about the application Laxman Sivaramakrishnan made for an opportunity to work as a bowling coach.”
Sivaramakrishnan approaches Lucknow Super Giants
Sivaramakrishnan, 60, represented India in nine Tests and 16 ODIs, taking 26 and 15 wickets respectively. His international career included figures of 6 for 64 against England in Mumbai in 1984, while his subsequent broadcasting career established him as a commentator with extensive knowledge of spin bowling.
Writing on X, Sivaramakrishnan directly addressed Goenka: “@DrSanjivGoenka I am Laxman Sivaramakrishnan former Indian cricketer. If you are looking for a spin bowling coach, please let me know. I have confidence that I can deliver the results.”
@DrSanjivGoenka I am Laxman Sivaramakrishnan former Indian cricketer. If you are looking for a spin bowling coach, please let me know. I have confidence that I can deliver the results.
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) October 17, 2026
Gavaskar reflected on the former leg-spinner’s playing career and the challenges faced by attacking spin bowlers. “During his time, he was a terrific bowler who thought deeply about the game. Confidence was not always his strongest suit and, as every leg-spinner will tell you, he needed a captain who understood that a leggie can be expensive at times but is a match-winner, too.”
Why Indian coaches matter in the IPL
Gavaskar also highlighted the communication difficulties that can arise when overseas coaches work with young Indian players who are less comfortable speaking English.
With franchises permitted to field only four overseas players in their playing XI, Indian cricketers form the majority of every team. Gavaskar argued that Indian assistant coaches could help bridge language gaps, communicate instructions and support players adjusting to the pressure of performing before large crowds.
He believed the experience of former domestic and international players could be particularly valuable in this environment. “There are so many like him who could be a great help to the young Indians in the teams.”
Gavaskar identifies other potential coaching candidates
Beyond Sivaramakrishnan, Gavaskar highlighted former India bowlers Praveen Kumar and Piyush Chawla as individuals whose experience could benefit IPL franchises. He pointed to Kumar’s swing bowling and variations, alongside Chawla’s tactical understanding and involvement in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad.
Gavaskar also identified Balwinder Singh Sandhu as another potential option. “If age is not a factor, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, too, has a deep knowledge not just of swing bowling but of the game itself.”
Former India bowlers R. P. Singh and Pragyan Ojha were among the other names he mentioned, although both currently serve as national selectors. Gavaskar also recognised that several former players have established careers in broadcasting but could contribute to coaching if they chose to change direction.
“I have not named many others because they are pursuing careers as television analysts, but if they wish to, they, too, could be terrific coaches,” Gavaskar wrote.
Gavaskar welcomed the growing presence of former Indian players in IPL coaching positions, suggesting that franchises were gradually moving away from their traditional preference for overseas expertise.
