"In 2023, I was supposed to be head coach, could not take up due to personal reasons": BCCI Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman
Bengaluru, August 9
Former Indian batter and BCCI Centre of Excellence head coach VVS Laxman revealed that he was offered a gig as Team India head coach back in 2023, but could not take it up for personal reasons and decided to continue as the head of CoE and contribute to its development as it got a new facility of its own in Bengaluru.
Amid concerns over the recent spate of injuries, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met Laxman on Sunday to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme at the facility. Saikia also attended the press conference along with Laxman, BCCI president Mithun Manhas and other senior officials.
Speaking during the presser, he said, "The reason why I extended (as the head of CoE): In 2023, I was supposed to become the head coach. Because of personal reasons, I was not able to take that up. I went and spoke to Jay (Shah) twice. He understood my reasons. Because of what Jay and the BCCI have given me, the freedom to execute with my vision, it continues with Devajit and other office bearers."
"I extended for two years, and I committed to the BCCI that here I am not taking up the head coach position, but I will make sure that I establish the CoE, I establish the structure, the processes and the protocols, before I move on," he added.
In September 2024, the BCCI 'Centre of Excellence', was inaugurated by then BCCI secretary Jay Shah, replacing the old facility operating in Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, under the name of 'National Cricket Academy'.
Spanning over 40 acres, this facility is designed to become the epicentre for nurturing cricketing talent and advancing sports science in India. The Centre of Excellence features three grounds and 86 pitches, including both indoor and outdoor areas, showcasing its capacity to provide comprehensive training facilities.
In late 2021, Laxman took over from Rahul Dravid as the head of the CoE, with the latter becoming the Team India head coach. Laxman has been the head of the facility since then and during his tenure, the CoE expanded into a full-fledged facility of its own.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting that he's revealing this now. The BCCI must have had a lot of faith in him. The new CoE facility in Bengaluru is genuinely world-class - 86 pitches is incredible for developing young talent. India's cricket infrastructure is really stepping up.
Very selfless decision. Instead of taking the glamorous head coach job, he chose to build the foundation of Indian cricket. This is what real commitment looks like - developing the system rather than just managing the top team. Jay Shah clearly valued his vision. 👏
While I appreciate his honesty, one has to wonder about the timing of this revelation. Is there a behind-the-scenes story about the coaching selection process? Also, the injury management at CoE needs serious improvement - too many of our players are getting injured regularly. Hope this meeting with Saikia leads to concrete changes rather than just PR exercises.
The development of the Centre of Excellence is one of the most underrated stories in Indian cricket. 40 acres, 86 pitches, dedicated sports science - this is how you build a sustainable system. Laxman's legacy might end up being bigger than any coaching stint.
The man is pure class. 💯 Turning down the India coach role shows immense character. Plus, you can't fault his work - the CoE has become a world-class institution. Our domestic players are getting top-notch facilities now. This is how you groom future champions!
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