First, there was hypothesis over VVS Laxman‘s potential appointment as India’s head coach. Then got here experiences linking him to the chief selector’s publish. Now, contemporary rumours recommend the previous India batter could possibly be handed a wholly new function by the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In response to a report in The Telegraph India, the BCCI has supplied Laxman, who at the moment heads the Centre of Excellence (CoE), the place of Director of Cricket, a job just like that held by Rob Key on the England and Wales Cricket Board. The place was final held by Ravi Shastri in Indian cricket between 2014 and 2016. Sources instructed the newspaper that Laxman “has already been spoken to by the powers-that-be in Indian cricket.”
If appointed, Laxman would have sweeping powers over the operating of Indian cricket whereas persevering with in his function as CoE head. The selectors, crew administration and gamers would reportedly fall below his ambit, giving him a big say within the functioning of the nationwide crew.
One of many key causes behind the proposed appointment is believed to be Laxman’s rising stature inside Indian cricket and his relationship with senior gamers. The BCCI reportedly feels he can be higher positioned to speak with and handle veterans corresponding to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, doubtlessly serving to keep away from conflicts between the choice committee, crew administration and senior gamers.
Earlier this month, hypothesis had emerged that Laxman might substitute Ajit Agarkar as chairman of selectors, with Agarkar’s present tenure set to finish in September. A report on Saturday, nonetheless, mentioned the BCCI is but to make a last determination on Agarkar’s future, with the previous India quick bowler reportedly anticipating a one-year extension that may take him by way of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Whereas Agarkar awaits readability, The Telegraph India additionally reported that former India quick bowler Zaheer Khan is among the many candidates being thought-about to move the choice committee. The 92-Take a look at veteran has in depth expertise on the grassroots stage and has labored with a number of IPL franchises, other than contributing his experience on the CoE.
Agarkar’s place reportedly grew to become much less safe regardless of India’s triumph on the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s worldwide future rising as a key level of competition. Studies had claimed that the selectors instructed Rohit he was unlikely to function in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup after the England collection final month. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia subsequently dismissed these experiences, a growth that reportedly didn’t go down effectively with members of the choice committee.
The newest report means that Laxman’s proposed appointment as Director of Cricket could possibly be geared toward stopping related conditions from escalating sooner or later. His standing inside Indian cricket and his rapport with senior gamers might enable him to behave as a bridge between the selectors, crew administration and the dressing room.
In actual fact, a senior BCCI official is known to have intervened to resolve the Rohit-related deadlock through the England tour in London. The proposed Director of Cricket function might due to this fact be an try by the board to create a government able to dealing with such delicate points earlier than they flip into bigger controversies.
