BCCI Carves Out A Separate Position For VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman continues to hold an important position in Indian cricket, with the former India batter now firmly focused on his responsibilities at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Laxman has recently made it clear that he does not intend to move into the India head coach position at this stage. Instead, he has extended his stint at the Centre of Excellence for another two years, where he wants to establish a strong structure and long-term development programme. VVS Laxman's Role At The BCCI Centre Of Excellence Laxman currently heads the BCCI Centre of Excellence, which plays a much wider role than simply helping injured players recover. According to Laxman, the facility is responsible for player development, monitoring systems, fitness programmes and creating processes that can support Indian cricket at multiple levels. He recently defended the CoE amid questions surrounding injuries to several Indian players. His continued presence at the facility highlights the importance the BCCI places on developing a centralised system for India's cricketing ecosystem. Why Laxman Chose The CoE Over The Head Coach Role Laxman revealed that he was considered for the India head coach position in the past. He explained that he had been expected to take over in 2023 but declined the opportunity because of personal reasons. He was also approached when the BCCI searched for Rahul Dravid's successor in 2024. Eventually, Gautam Gambhir was appointed as India's head coach, while Laxman continued with the BCCI's development structure. Laxman has now committed himself to another two years at the CoE, saying that he wants to establish its structure, processes and protocols before moving on. Laxman Still Has A Role With Team India Although Laxman is not replacing Gambhir, his experience continues to be valuable to the national team. Because of India's packed international calendar, Laxman has occasionally taken charge of squads when the regular coaching staff has been assigned elsewhere. He recently served as interim head coach during India's Zimbabwe assignment. This arrangement allows the BCCI to maintain experienced coaching support for different Indian squads without necessarily changing the permanent leadership structure. BCCI's Bigger Vision For The Centre Of Excellence The BCCI's plans for the Centre of Excellence go beyond coaching. The facility is intended to provide a comprehensive environment for player development, fitness, rehabilitation, sports science and performance monitoring. However, the CoE is currently facing a challenge in filling its Head of Sports Science and Medicine position. The role has remained vacant since Nitin Patel's departure, with the BCCI yet to finalise a replacement. Laxman has said that finding the right person is important because the position requires not only experience but also an understanding of Indian cricketers and their specific requirements. What Does This Mean For Gautam Gambhir? The development does not mean that Gautam Gambhir is being replaced as India's head coach. Laxman's current plan is focused on the Centre of Excellence, while Gambhir remains in charge of the senior Indian men's team. The two roles can operate separately, with Laxman also providing coaching support when scheduling requirements create overlapping assignments. For Indian cricket, having experienced figures such as Gambhir and Laxman working in different areas could provide greater depth to the overall coaching and development system. VVS Laxman's Future With Indian Cricket Laxman's decision to continue at the Centre of Excellence could prove significant for Indian cricket over the next few years. Rather than taking another permanent coaching position, he appears focused on building a long-term system that can support players before and during their international careers. His experience as a former India batter, previous coaching involvement and understanding of the country's young talent make him a valuable figure within the BCCI structure. For now, the message is clear: VVS Laxman is not replacing Gautam Gambhir. Instead, he is continuing to build his own important role within the BCCI Centre of Excellence.