Building the Future: VVS Laxman on Revolutionizing India’s Cricket Pipeline
BENGALURU: In December 2021, Indian batting legend VVS Laxman made a profound career shift. Walking away from the lucrative world of IPL contracts and a prominent seat in the commentary box, he embraced the challenge of administration, taking charge of the National Cricket Academy (now the BCCI Centre of Excellence).
As he approaches the end of his tenure later this year, the former stylish middle-order batter reflects on a transformative journey that has seen the facility evolve from a modest setup at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium into a world-class, expansive hub on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
A Vision for the Ecosystem
For Laxman, the evolution of the facility goes far beyond bricks and mortar. “The biggest change is not just the infrastructure but the ecosystem we have built—bringing together coaching, sports science, technology, and education,” Laxman said in an exclusive interview.
He credits former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman Jay Shah for his vision and for providing the necessary autonomy to cultivate a high-performance culture. Crucially, Laxman emphasizes that the facility was never intended to be an exclusive club for elite, contracted athletes.
“The CoE cannot be only for contracted players,” Laxman asserted. “If we want to strengthen Indian cricket, we have to strengthen the pathway beneath the international level. We are providing domestic and pathway players greater access to quality coaching and sports science to identify and nurture potential early.”
Cultivating the Next Generation
Laxman’s hands-on approach is most visible in his work with the U-19 and India A squads. He views the transition from being a player to a mentor as a vital part of his responsibility.
“Coaching is not about showing people how much you know; it is about helping the player discover how much they can achieve,” he explained. The Centre of Excellence now runs extensive high-performance programs throughout the year, supporting over 150 players annually across U-16, U-19, and U-23 categories, as well as specialized camps for fast and spin bowlers.
Bridging the Gap in Women’s Cricket
A significant pillar of Laxman’s tenure has been the systematic development of the women’s game. Eschewing a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the CoE has focused on building a structure tailored specifically to the needs of female cricketers.
“We don’t want to copy the men’s system,” Laxman noted. “Women’s cricket has its own requirements, and we are developing expertise around those specific needs, including the successful introduction of the U-15 category, which has already produced players who have reached the senior international stage.”
Grassroots Expansion
Laxman has also prioritized talent identification in underserved regions, notably the North East. By facilitating camps and exposure tours against high-quality opposition, the CoE aims to ensure that geographical boundaries do not limit a player’s path to the national team.
A Lasting Legacy
As his tenure nears its conclusion, Laxman takes pride in the shift in perception regarding the facility. It is no longer just a place for rehabilitation; it is a laboratory for development.
“The most satisfying thing has been seeing the ecosystem come together—coaches, sports science professionals, and players all working toward the same objective,” said Laxman. “When you see a player who attended U-19 camps in 2022 playing for India in 2025, you realize the pipeline is functioning. The ultimate success will be seeing these systems benefit Indian cricket for decades to come.”
