VVS Laxman Declines India Head Coach Role, Reaffirms Commitment to BCCI Centre of Excellence
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, left, with BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman. (PTI Photo)
BENGALURU: Former India batting stalwart VVS Laxman has unequivocally stated his decision to decline the offer to take over as the India head coach, a role previously held by his illustrious contemporary, Rahul Dravid. Laxman confirmed that he was approached for the coveted position in 2024, following Dravid’s successful tenure which culminated with India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Instead, Laxman has chosen to extend his commitment to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), formerly known as the National Cricket Academy, for another two years, solidifying his role until 2026. Family considerations were cited as a significant factor in his decision to prioritize his current assignment.
Addressing the media at the CoE on Sunday, Laxman elaborated on his choice: “Because (former BCCI secretary) Jay (Shah) and the BCCI gave me the freedom to execute my vision, and Devajit (Saikia, current BCCI secretary) continues to give me, I’ve extended (stint at CoE) for two years, and I committed to the BCCI that I’m not taking up the head coach position. You all know that I was approached back in 2024.”
Laxman, who assumed leadership of the NCA in 2021, succeeding Dravid, expressed his desire to fully establish the CoE’s operational framework before considering any change in his role. “I’ll make sure that I establish the CoE, its structure, the processes and the protocols… before I move on, after the two years’ stay,” he affirmed.
His statements come amidst swirling speculation linking his name to other prominent BCCI roles, particularly the chief selector’s position once Ajit Agarkar’s tenure concludes in September. However, Laxman offered no definitive indications regarding his future beyond his current commitment to the CoE.
Laxman Defends CoE Amid Injury Concerns
During the press conference, Laxman also took the opportunity to robustly defend the CoE’s integral role within Indian cricket, particularly in light of recent concerns regarding a spate of injuries among key Indian players. He emphasized that the facility’s purpose extends far beyond mere rehabilitation, asserting, “CoE is not just a rehab centre, but there are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence.”
Several high-profile players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and B Sai Sudharsan, have recently recuperated at the facility. Laxman stressed that injury recovery timelines are inherently unpredictable due to the complex nature of the human body, clarifying, “it is the human body” and “not a machine.”
He further highlighted the seamless communication channels established between the CoE, national selectors, and team management, ensuring that players are only released back into competitive cricket after successfully meeting stringent fitness benchmarks.
Beyond injury management, Laxman pointed to the significant advancements made in the development of young cricketers and his active involvement in promoting women’s cricket as key achievements during his stewardship. “Trophies are a by-product of what systems and processes you set,” he concluded, underscoring that the CoE’s overarching mission is to fortify Indian cricket from the grassroots and empower players to realize their full potential.
