VVS Laxman gears up for a powerful new role for BCCI amid Rohit-Kohli tensions and uncertainty over Ajit Agarkar: Report
First, there was speculation about it Laxman PlumbingHis possible appointment as India’s head coach. Then came reports linking him to the position of chief selector. Now, new rumors suggest that the former India batsman could be given a whole new role by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (Bank of Credit and Commerce International).
According to a report in Telegraph IndiaThe BCCI has offered Laxman, who currently heads the Center of Excellence (CoE), the position of Director of Cricket, a role similar to the one held by Rob Key at the England and Wales Cricket Board. The position was last held by Ravi Shastri In Indian cricket between 2014 and 2016. Sources told the newspaper that Laxman “has already been spoken to by the powers that be in Indian cricket”.
If appointed, Laxman will have broad powers over the governance of Indian cricket while continuing in his role as Chairman of the Council of Excellence. Selectors, team management and players are reportedly under his purview, giving him an important role in the national team’s performance.
It is believed that one of the main reasons behind the proposed appointment is Laxman’s growing stature within Indian cricket and his relationship with senior players. BCCI reportedly feels that it would be in a better position to reach out to veterans and their management like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which could help avoid conflicts between the selection committee, team management and senior players.
Earlier this month, speculation emerged that Laxman could replace Ajit Agarkar as chief selector, with Agarkar’s current term set to end in September. However, a report on Saturday said that the BCCI is yet to take a final decision on Agarkar’s future, with the former India bowler reportedly anticipating a one-year extension that would take him through the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While Agarkar awaits clarity, The Indian Telegraph also reported that former India bowler Zaheer Khan is among the candidates being considered to head the selection committee. The 92-Test veteran has vast experience at the grassroots level and has worked with several IPL franchises, apart from contributing his experience at the Center of Excellence.
Agarkar’s position is said to have become less secure despite India winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s international future emerging as a major point of contention. Reports claimed that selectors have told Rohit that he is unlikely to feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup after the England series last month. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later dismissed these reports, a development that reportedly did not go down well with the selection committee members.
The latest report suggests that Laxman’s proposed appointment as Director of Cricket could be aimed at preventing similar situations from escalating in the future. His stature within Indian cricket and his relationship with senior players could allow him to act as a bridge between selectors, team management and the dressing room.
In fact, a senior BCCI official is understood to have intervened to resolve the impasse involving Rohit during England’s tour of London. The proposed director of cricket role could therefore be an attempt by the board to create a central authority capable of dealing with such sensitive issues before they turn into larger controversies.
