VVS Laxman India Coach: Different Path Before Gambhir, Agarkar Buzz Addressed

VVS Laxman India Coach: VVS Laxman, a former India player, has on several occasions been regarded as a possible candidate for head coach of the men's team.

When Rahul Dravid's term ended in June 2024, Laxman was considered, but Gautam Gambhir was appointed.

Following India's losses in two home Test series while Gambhir was in charge, discussion about Laxman resurfaced once more.

NOTE: Follow cricket news, football updates, live scores, match analysis, and other latest news.

VVS Laxman India Coach: Veteran Cricketer Reveals Why He Said No to India Head Coach Position

VVS Laxman's Head Coach Job: A number of critics questioned the team's performance and proposed dividing the coaching responsibilities. Laxman has now given the reason why he rejected the head coach position earlier.

VVS Laxman BCCI Centre of Excellence

VVS Laxman India Coach: Laxman told reporters at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru that he had intended to take up the post of India's head coach in 2023, following the end of Dravid's first term after the ODI World Cup.

However, he declined the appointment for personal reasons after speaking twice with then-BCCI secretary Jay Shah, a man who respected his decision, and as a result, Dravid's contract was extended to cover the 2024 T20 World Cup.

It has been reported that in May 2024, when the BCCI started looking for a replacement for Dravid, Laxman was contacted once again and was among the top choices before Gambhir was selected.

He has remained involved with the national team and, on several occasions, has acted as interim head coach, most recently during India's T20I tour of Zimbabwe.

VVS Laxman - Ajit Agarkar: VVS Laxman Breaks Silence on Agarkar Replacement Speculation

VVS Laxman India Coach: Laxman has recently returned to the news. A recent report has stated that the BCCI could consider appointing him to replace chief selector Ajit Agarkar, given lingering doubts about the selection committee and its decisions regarding Rohit Sharma.

The BCCI has not yet decided whether Agarkar will remain in his post as chief selector until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

For the moment, Laxman says he will continue working at the Centre of Excellence.

He expressed his gratitude to former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for giving him the freedom to act, and to current secretary Devajit Saikia for their support.

VVS Laxman Reveals Why He Rejected India Coach Job

VVS Laxman India Coach: Laxman explained that he had agreed to extend his stay at the CoE by two additional years because the BCCI had allowed him to pursue his own vision.

He also confirmed that, even though he was asked in 2024, he had promised the BCCI that he would not accept the position of head coach of India.

Laxman intends to achieve certain objectives before the end of his time at the CoE.

He plans to establish the CoE's structure, processes, and protocols, including standard operating procedures for each department, before the two-year term expires.

He is working with a team to create what he describes as a world-class programme.

At present, Laxman is concentrating on his duties in Bengaluru and has no intention of returning to the India team or joining the national selection committee.

Laxman Counters Criticism of CoE After Bumrah, Sudharsan Setbacks

VVS Laxman, who heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), has explained the injury management process amid concerns about several senior players missing India’s upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.

India will be without fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and No. 3 batter Sai Sudharsan, who were initially selected for the two-Test series on July 28, subject to fitness.

Both failed to receive clearance before the team’s departure and were subsequently withdrawn.

Auqib Nabi has been named as Bumrah’s replacement, while Sudharsan’s replacement is yet to be announced.

Laxman said there is strong coordination among the CoE, team management, and the selection committee.

He explained that selectors request a player’s latest fitness report from the CoE, which then shares the information with the selection committee, head coach and BCCI.

Players Assessed Throughout their Recovery, Says Laxman

According to Laxman, conditional selections are clearly indicated by an asterisk in BCCI media releases.

Players are assessed throughout their recovery, and any delay is communicated to the selectors and coaching staff.

He stressed that the system is designed to remain transparent while also allowing selectors to prepare alternatives if a player fails to clear the fitness test.

Role of CoE is Beyond Injury Rehabilitation: Laxman

Laxman also explained that the CoE’s role extends beyond injury rehabilitation.

After an injury, players undergo medical assessments, receive specialist treatment and follow a structured recovery programme.

They then progress through strength and conditioning, skill training and gradually increased workloads.

Before being declared fit, players must complete two Return-to-Play matches.

The aim, Laxman said, is to ensure players are fully prepared to perform when they return to competitive cricket.

He also noted that recovery timelines can vary because the human body cannot be treated like a machine.

Conditional Selections are Used In Case Of Uncertainty of Player’s Fitness: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that conditional selections are used when a player’s fitness remains uncertain several weeks before a tour.

Players can still join the squad if they recover within the required period.

He added that recovery times are difficult to predict and can range from around 14 to 28 days depending on the individual.

Read More: