VVS Laxman, the former India batter and current head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, is likely to take on a much bigger responsibility within Indian cricket. The development comes as the BCCI prepares for a possible reshuffle of key positions in September.
With Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the senior selection committee set to end in September and the national team’s coaching setup also under scrutiny, the board could make some significant changes. Sources have indicated to India Today that Laxman is likely to be given the role of Director of Cricket.
Meanwhile, there have also been reports that the BCCI could extend Agarkar’s tenure until June 2027.
The proposed move would represent a significant expansion of Laxman’s current responsibilities at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been overseeing player development and high-performance programmes. There is no official confirmation yet from the BCCI on the appointment or the exact structure of the proposed role.
Laxman has already remained closely involved with the senior team, stepping in as interim coach when required. Most recently, he guided a young India side to a 3-0 T20I series win in Zimbabwe while Gautam Gambhir and his regular support staff were rested after the England tour.
WHAT DOES DIRECTOR OF CRICKET MEAN?
While the exact responsibilities would depend on the BCCI’s eventual structure, a Director of Cricket role would potentially place Laxman at the centre of India’s wider cricketing operations.
The position could 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 continuity in areas such as talent identification, player development and high-performance planning.
That would be a natural extension of the work Laxman has already been doing at the CoE, where he has worked with players across the senior and pathway systems.
WHY SEPTEMBER MATTERS
The timing of the potential move is significant. Agarkar’s term as chief selector is due to expire in September, putting the selection structure under the spotlight ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
There has also been scrutiny around India’s recent results and the wider coaching setup. Laxman’s successful interim stint in Zimbabwe has only added to the discussion around his future role, although he himself has previously indicated that his primary focus remains his work at the 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.
If finalised, the Director of Cricket position would move Laxman from overseeing one important arm of Indian cricket to a much broader role connecting several of its most important departments.
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