The former India batter and head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence is likely to take on a major responsibility as the board prepares for a major reshuffle in September.
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as BCCI chairman of the senior selection committee is set to end in September, and the national team’s coaching setup is also under scrutiny.
With a major transistion is expected, several sources indicate that VVS Laxman is likely to take over the Director of Cricket.
However, several reports suggest that BCCI could extend Agarkar’s tenure until June 2027. The proposed move would represent a significant expansion of Laxman’s current responsiblities at the CoE in Bengaluru, which includes overseeing player development and high-performance programmes.
There is no official confirmation from the BCCI on the implementation of the exact structure of the proposed role.
VVS Laxman has already remained closely involved with the senior team, stepping in as interim coach when required.
Under his guidance, Shreyas Iyer-led side secured a 3-0 T20I series win in Zimbabwe while Gautam Gambhir and his regular support staff were rested after the England tour.
The responsibilities of the Director of Cricket will oversee at the Center of India’s cricketing operations.
The position coud involve coordinating between the senior team, selectors, coaches, the Centre of Excellence and the various stages of India’s player pathway.
It could also provide greater access in areas such as talent identification, player development and high-performance planning.
The possible change comes at a crucial juncture, with Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector set to end in September. The development could reshape the selection setup ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
There has been scrutiny around India’s recent results and coaching setup. VVS Laxman’s successful interim coaching stint in Zimbabwe adds to the discussion around his future role, despite he himself has previously indicated that his primary work is at CoE.
Laxman took over the leadership of the BCCI’s revamped Centre of Excellence after choosing to continue in the role rather than succeed Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach in 2024.
He has since played a central role in India’s player development structure and has recently defended the CoE’s wider purpose amid questions over recurring injuries.
