VVS Laxman, the former Indian cricketer and now head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, may soon take on a greater role in Indian cricket. This comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering some significant changes in key positions, especially with the senior selection committee’s leadership.
As Ajit Agarkar’s term as chairman of the selection committee is nearing its end in September and the coaching staff of the national team is being reviewed, the BCCI might make pivotal changes. Reports suggest that Laxman could be named the Director of Cricket, according to sources familiar with the situation.
In the meantime, there are discussions about possibly extending Agarkar’s role until June 2027. If Laxman is appointed to the new position, it would broaden his responsibilities beyond his current focus at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he manages player development and high-performance programs. As of now, the BCCI has not officially confirmed this potential appointment or its exact framework.
Laxman has been actively involved with the senior team, even stepping in as interim coach when necessary. Most recently, he led a young Indian squad to success with a clean sweep in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, as regular coach Gautam Gambhir and his support staff took a break after their England tour.
### What Would a Director of Cricket Do?
While the specific duties of a Director of Cricket would depend on the BCCI’s final structure, the role would likely place Laxman at the heart of Indian cricket’s wider functions. This might involve coordination among the senior team, selectors, coaches, and the Centre of Excellence, ensuring a smoother flow of talent identification, player development, and strategy for high performance.
This would naturally build on Laxman’s existing work at the Centre of Excellence, where he has collaborated with players across different levels.
### The Importance of September
The upcoming month of September is crucial for these developments. Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector is expiring, raising questions about the entire selection framework just ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. India’s recent performance and their coaching structure are also under scrutiny. Laxman’s successful interim role in Zimbabwe has fueled discussions about his future, although he has reiterated that his main focus remains his work at the Centre of Excellence.
After opting to lead the revamped Centre of Excellence instead of stepping up as head coach of the Indian team in 2024, Laxman has become key to shaping India’s player development. He has defended the larger mission of the Centre amid concerns over recurring injury issues.
If finalized, the Director of Cricket role would significantly expand Laxman’s influence, linking several critical areas of Indian cricket together.
