VVS Laxman poised for expanded role in Indian cricket.

BCCI considers appointing former India batter as Director of Cricket amid structural reshuffle

VVS Laxman, one of India’s most respected former batters, is on the verge of stepping into a significantly larger role within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Currently heading the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Laxman is being considered for Director of Cricket, a role that would place him at the heart of India’s cricketing framework.

The timing of this potential appointment is crucial. Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the senior selection committee is set to conclude in September, sparking discussions about the future of India’s selection structure. Reports suggest that Agarkar’s term could be extended until June 2027, but the BCCI is also weighing broader changes to strengthen its cricketing operations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Alongside this, the national coaching setup has come under review, further highlighting the need for a more centralized leadership role.

If confirmed, Laxman’s responsibilities would extend well beyond his current work at the Centre of Excellence. The Director of Cricket position is expected to involve coordination between selectors, coaches, the senior team, and player development pathways. This would ensure continuity in talent identification, injury management, and high-performance planning- areas where Laxman has already played a pivotal role. His leadership at the CoE has been instrumental in shaping India’s next generation of cricketers, despite ongoing debates about recurring player injuries.

Laxman’s hands-on involvement with the senior team adds weight to his candidacy. He has frequently stepped in as interim coach, most recently guiding a youthful Indian side to a 3-0 T20I series victory in Zimbabwe while the regular coaching staff was rested. His ability to adapt and deliver results in such scenarios has reinforced his reputation as a steady and strategic leader.

Notably, Laxman chose to continue at the CoE in 2024 rather than succeed Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach. This decision underscored his commitment to long-term player development rather than short-term coaching stints. The proposed Director of Cricket role now appears to be a natural progression, aligning his vision for nurturing talent with the broader needs of Indian cricket.

While the BCCI has yet to issue an official confirmation, the move signals a significant restructuring of its cricketing hierarchy. Should Laxman take charge, he would transition from overseeing one critical arm of Indian cricket to orchestrating its entire ecosystem- an appointment that could reshape India’s cricketing future.