VVS Laxman Set To Take On Wider BCCI Duties From September

VVS Laxman is reportedly set to take on a significantly larger role within the BCCI from September. According to reports, the former India batter is likely to become the board’s Director of Cricket while continuing as head of the Centre of Excellence. His proposed responsibilities would extend beyond player rehabilitation and development. The experienced cricket administrator could coordinate closely with the senior team, coaching staff and selection committee. He would also be expected to remain in regular contact with the CoE and monitor emerging players. 

The proposed role could make the calm and highly respected former Test specialist an important link between different parts of Indian cricket. Reports indicate that he would help improve communication between selectors and the national team while working alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. He could also oversee broader player-development and performance planning. 

“CoE is not merely a rehab centre”: VVS Laxman explains BCCI facility’s role amid injury concerns

VVS Laxman has defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence amid growing scrutiny over India’s recent injury problems. The respected former India batter currently heads the Bengaluru facility. Several players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan, have recently undergone rehabilitation or assessment there. Addressing concerns, the former Test specialist stressed that the CoE has a much wider purpose than simply treating injured players. “CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence,” Laxman said.

The elegant cricket administrator also explained how the facility communicates fitness information to the selectors and team management. “The process is that the selector reaches out to the COE asking for the fitness status report. And we collect the current fitness status and send a report to the selection committee chairman or chairperson in the women’s selection committee with a copy to obviously the head coach of both the teams and the BCCI,” he said. The experienced former batter also stressed that injuries are an unavoidable part of professional sport. His comments came amid increased attention on the CoE’s injury-management system. India’s captain Shubman Gill has separately insisted that there is constant communication between the team and the facility.