The BCCI is working on a new leadership structure involving VVS Laxman after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma raised concerns about the current setup, according to Cricblogger. The senior duo reportedly wanted greater balance in decision-making and less concentration of authority with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Following the Lord's ODI against England, Virat and Rohit were said to have indicated that they were willing to retire if required. However, they also stressed that Indian cricket should remain bigger than any individual, prompting the cricket board to explore changes to create greater stability within the team.
BCCI Considers Bigger Role for VVS Laxman to Balance Team Management
The BCCI is considering a bigger role for VVS Laxman to bring more balance to India's team management. According to CricBlogger, the former India batter could work alongside Gautam Gambhir as head coach, become chief selector, or take charge as an overall director.
The board is not looking to make an immediate change by removing Gambhir or Ajit Agarkar. However, they might create clearer roles for the coach, selectors, and players. Laxman could provide an additional layer of oversight while helping improve communication within the dressing room.
“A similar role was offered to Dhoni as well, but he turned it down,” a source pointed out.
Selection Concerns Add to BCCI's Management Challenge
The BCCI has also reportedly noticed inconsistencies in the selection process. At the same time, Gambhir has maintained strong views on how the team should operate, creating concerns over the relationship between the coaching and selection groups.
VVS Laxman is viewed as someone who could bridge that gap because of his experience with the national team and his current role at the Centre of Excellence. He has also stepped in as interim head coach on several occasions when India needed temporary cover.
“He also doesn’t have an IPL baggage and doesn’t promote any corporate interests. He is the perfect man to be with the team,” a source said.
“It’s a system that would revamp the ongoing practice,” the source added.
Ajit Agarkar's future could also become part of the discussion. His term as chairman of selectors ends in September. However, recent concerns around the selection process could lead the BCCI to not extend his term till the ODI World Cup 2027.
VVS Laxman's Career and Role in Indian Cricket
VVS Laxman became one of India's most reliable Test batters during his international career. He scored 8,781 runs in 134 Tests at an average of 45.97, with 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries. The Hyderabad player was one of India's most respected middle-order batters.
His most famous innings came in the 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia, where he scored 281 at Eden Gardens. That knock played a major role in India's memorable comeback after they followed on.
Laxman also scored 2,338 runs in 86 ODIs, including six centuries. After retiring in 2012, he moved into coaching and administration, taking charge of the National Cricket Academy in 2021. The BCCI offered Laxman the India head coach role in 2024 after Rahul Dravid's tenure, but he did not take the position.
