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VVS Laxman has subtly put to rest the growing speculation linking him with either the India head coach or chief selector's position, reaffirming his commitment to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). The former India batter has been at the centre of reports suggesting that the BCCI could consider him for a major role in the national setup.
The speculation intensified after Laxman recently took charge of India's T20I side on an interim basis during the Zimbabwe tour in the absence of Gautam Gambhir. India went on to complete a 3-0 series sweep, further fuelling calls for Laxman to be given a bigger role. However, Laxman's latest comments indicate that he intends to continue his work at the CoE, where his current tenure has been extended by another two years.
VVS Laxman ends India coach, chief selector speculation
Reports in recent days had suggested that VVS Laxman could be in line for a major change in responsibility within Indian cricket. Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi claimed that Laxman was interested in becoming India's head coach, although Gautam Gambhir's existing contract was understood to be a roadblock.
Tripathi also reported that Laxman could potentially consider the chief selector's position if the BCCI offered it to him. According to the report, the role could appeal to Laxman because it would involve considerably less travelling than the head coach's position.
The report further claimed that Laxman's preference for a role involving less regular travel could make the selector's position attractive.
There have also been reports about uncertainty surrounding Ajit Agarkar's future as chairman of the senior men's selection committee. Some reports have suggested that VVS Laxman could be considered as his replacement, with the BCCI's Annual General Meeting in September expected to be an important point in determining the next course of action.
The speculation, however, received a subtle response from Laxman himself. Speaking about his role at the Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman confirmed on Sunday, August 9, that he had extended his tenure for another two years, making it clear that his immediate focus remains on the development centre.
“I extended my time at CoE for two more years,” Laxman said, as quoted by RevSportz.
While Laxman did not directly address either speculation, his confirmation about extending his CoE tenure points towards continuity in his current role.
Laxman has been heading the BCCI's Centre of Excellence since December 2021 and has played a key role in the development of the facility and its programmes.
Also Read: VVS Laxman wants India head coach job, Gautam Gambhir's tenure blocks opportunity
After Nitin Patel left as Head of Sports Science, we could not zero in on anyone - VVS Laxman
While addressing the progress of the Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman also spoke about the challenges faced by its sports science department. He revealed that the BCCI had interviewed candidates following Nitin Patel's departure but struggled to find someone willing to relocate to Bengaluru for the complete contract period.
“After Nitin Patel left as Head of Sports Science, we could not zero in on anyone. We conducted an interview and identified five candidates but unfortunately could not move to Bangalore for the full contract period. We have also zeroed in on Andrew Leipus but he also could not move in to Bangalore because of some family reasons,” Laxman said, as quoted by PTI.
VVS Laxman also reflected on the transformation of the National Cricket Academy into the Centre of Excellence and how the facility has evolved since its establishment.
Also Read: Devajit Saikia to hold crucial meeting with VVS Laxman at BCCI CoE amid injury concerns
“It was Rahul Dravid in our generation who utilised it to the fullest” - VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman credited the National Cricket Academy's long-term development and recalled how former India head coach Rahul Dravid made extensive use of its facilities during his playing career.
“As Devajit rightly mentioned, NCA was established in 2000. All of you are aware of that. You have seen how NCA has progressed,” Laxman said, as quoted by IANS.
“A lot of cricketers, including myself, have benefited from not only the infrastructure we had at the Chinnaswamy Stadium but also the kind of programmes, the kind of initiatives NCA has taken. And it's an ever-evolving programme.”
Laxman revealed that his own experiences at the NCA during his playing career influenced his decision to contribute to the institution after retirement.
“And probably it was Rahul in our generation who utilised it to the fullest because being from Bangalore, he used to almost visit NCA each and every day to not only focus on his skill but also enhance his fitness and other aspects of the game,” Laxman said.
He then recalled how he was approached in 2021 to take over the work started by Dravid after the latter moved into the India head coach's position.
“And then in 2021, when Jay and then President Sourav reached out to me saying that Rahul is moving to the Indian team as the head coach and we want that continuity and all the good stuff Rahul started, can you continue? And straight away it was a tough decision for me,” Laxman said.
He ultimately decided to take up the responsibility, explaining that former cricketers have a responsibility to contribute to Indian cricket after benefiting from the system themselves.
“But I just want to repeat myself. And as a cricketer, I always thought that it's the responsibility of former cricketers who benefited through this great game and through what BCCI has given to us, the various opportunities from the age group levels to contribute back to the game. And with that intention, obviously I moved to Bangalore in 2021 December.”
VVS Laxman also highlighted the rapid development of the new Centre of Excellence, with operations beginning in March 2025. He pointed out that the scale of work being undertaken at the facility has grown dramatically compared with the old NCA setup at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“And the magnitude of the various activities which started taking place at the COE has gone more than tenfold to what NCA was doing with the limited facility we had at the Chinnaswamy Stadium,” he added.
