Former South African skipper AB de Villiers questioned if something is boiling within India’s dressing room after Shreyas Iyer praised VVS Laxman’s style of coaching. Laxman took over as India’s interim head coach for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after Gautam Gambhir was rested.

Under Laxman’s tutelage, India registered a comprehensive 3-0 win against Zimbabwe after a disappointing UK tour under Gautam Gambhir.

Iyer’s captaincy stint had started on a dismal note as he lost six matches on trot (two against Ireland and four against England).

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube Channel, “Shreyas Iyer was full of credit for VVS Laxman and the way he coached the team. He said that VVS allowed them to be free and the messaging was clear. Is there something boiling? Maybe there is a bit of heat on Gautam Gambhir as the players seem to enjoy VVS’ aura and presence in the change room.”

The former RCB batter feels there seems to be competition between Gambhir and Laxman. 

“There seems to be a competition. You think you take a break and rest a little bit to man-manage yourself. And the next minute you realise that the players are enjoying someone else’s presence perhaps a bit more. Maybe there is something there with Laxman pushing Gambhir and forcing his hand too,” said De Villiers (via the aforementioned source).

Meanwhile, Laxman had filled in for former head coach Rahul Dravid whenever the latter needed a break.

India’s next assignment is a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and head coach Gautam Gambhir will resume his coaching role.