The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expanded VVS Laxman‘s involvement in national team selection, introducing a new arrangement that brings the Head of its Centre of Excellence (CoE) into the senior selection committee’s regular proceedings.
The development comes during a period of change in Indian cricket administration, following Ajit Agarkar’s departure as Chairman of Selectors and amid scrutiny of how injured players are managed ahead of international assignments.
Laxman attended the recent meeting in Guwahati at which India’s T20I and India A squads were selected.
BCCI introduces new selection arrangement
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters: “VVS Laxman will henceforth attend all senior selection committee meetings to ensure there is no miscommunication between selectors and the COE.”
The CoE operates from Bengaluru and provides specialist support for cricketers across different stages of their careers, including physical conditioning, injury rehabilitation and performance development.
Saikia added: “This was decided at the review meeting in Mumbai that as head of cricket, COE, Laxman should attend all meetings going forward. The move is intended to ensure there is no miscommunication and selectors get accurate information to make right decisions.”
Rehabilitation concerns emerge during selection transition
The decision follows reports of friction between Laxman and Agarkar over the handling of information concerning players recovering from injuries.
Speculation had focused on whether the selection panel was receiving sufficiently clear recovery timelines to plan squad combinations and assess player availability.
Several established India players have undergone rehabilitation at the Bengaluru facility, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and B Sai Sudharsan.
In August, Laxman spoke to select media at the CoE about the institution’s wider responsibilities.
“…there are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence. So, we don’t like to use the term ‘blame’ (for injuries) because when you’re using that term, then you’re finding someone as a scapegoat,” Laxman said.
During the same interaction, he also stated: “But there’s brilliant coordination between the CoE and the team management of both the teams (men and women) and the SSM staff of both the teams. So that communication is happening seamlessly.”
BCCI searches for new Chief Selector
Agarkar’s exit has created a vacancy at the top of India’s senior selection structure, with the BCCI inviting applications for a permanent successor.
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is serving as Interim Chairman of Selectors while the recruitment process continues.
Although Laxman had previously been linked with the Chief Selector position, his latest responsibilities concern participation in selection meetings rather than leadership of the panel.
His association with the BCCI’s player development system began in 2021, when he succeeded Rahul Dravid as Head of the National Cricket Academy, the predecessor of the CoE.
In 2024, Laxman opted against taking over as India men’s Head Coach after Dravid’s departure. He instead continued at the Bengaluru institution, with his tenure extended for another two years.
Injuries remain a challenge for India’s World Cup preparations
India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have been affected by player injuries and scheduling demands, complicating efforts to establish consistent team combinations.
During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in August, India Captain Shubman Gill said: “There is a constant communication with them. Unfortunately Sai Sudharsan did not improve as much as we liked as we can’t take risks in Tests. But we are confident of our 15.”
India’s bowling resources have been a particular concern as the team approaches the next major ICC tournament.
Following the third ODI against the West Indies, Gill said during his post-match press conference: “I would say it’s been unfortunate, you know, with the injuries and with the scheduling, with the other matches being around. It’s been a little bit unfortunate that we have not been able to play the bowling lineup that we would like to.”
The arrangement comes at a significant point in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the BCCI balancing changes in selection leadership against the demands of managing player fitness across a busy international calendar.
