Archive · 9 Aug 2026
VVS Laxman extends CoE stay, declines India head coach role
VVS Laxman is a famous former cricketer from India.
Now he runs a big training centre for Indian cricket players called the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
In 2024, the BCCI asked him to become the head coach of India's men's cricket team, but he said no.
He turned it down because he wanted to be with his family and keep building the training centre.
He promised to stay at the centre for two more years, until 2026.
Laxman says the centre is now a world-class place with good systems and rules for training.
He is proud of helping young cricketers grow and of learning more about women's cricket.
Some people think he might become the chief selector of the Indian team after September.
Laxman has not said yet whether he will take that job.
VVS Laxman expressed delight at the progress of the BCCI Centre of Excellence under him in the last two years.
Laxman extended his CoE tenure by two years until 2026 and committed to the BCCI that he would not take up the head coach position.
He declined BCCI's 2024 offer to become head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, partly for family reasons and partly to develop the CoE.
He is touted in several quarters to succeed Ajit Agarkar as chief selector when Agarkar's term ends in September, but has not given his nod.
Laxman cited developing young cricketers and his involvement in women's cricket as achievements of his CoE stint.
- Who
- VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence and former India cricketer
- What
- Expressed satisfaction with the CoE's progress, confirmed a two-year extension until 2026, and revealed he declined BCCI's 2024 offer to be India head coach
- When
- Sunday, August 9 (2026), speaking at the CoE; the head coach approach came in 2024
- Where
- BCCI Centre of Excellence, on the outskirts of Bengaluru
- Why
- Laxman declined the head coach role partly for family reasons and partly to establish the CoE's structure, processes and protocols
- Person
- VVS Laxman
- Role
- Head, BCCI Centre of Excellence (succeeded Rahul Dravid in 2021)
- Term Extension
- Two years, until 2026
- Head Coach Offer
- Approached by BCCI in 2024; declined
- Chief Selector Speculation
- Touted to succeed Ajit Agarkar, whose term ends in September
- Location
- Outskirts of Bengaluru
- Achievements Cited
- World-class programme, young cricketer development, women's cricket involvement