VVS Laxman likely to become BCCI Director of Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif expressed surprise at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s apparent difficulty in hiring top-tier medical professionals despite its vast financial resources, as the nation faces a growing injury crisis affecting multiple key players. This concern emerged as Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of India's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka due to a toe injury, joining a list of injured players including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. The repeated setbacks have placed pressure on the BCCI, especially as several players have needed to travel to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently visited Bengaluru to meet with CoE head VVS Laxman to address these issues. During a press conference, Laxman disclosed that the BCCI has faced challenges in securing suitable personnel for the CoE. He mentioned that while the board had approached numerous candidates, some potential hires had withdrawn at the final stage. This revelation prompted Kaif to question how the financially robust BCCI, which attracts global talent to its Indian Premier League (IPL), has struggled to secure top medical and physiotherapy professionals. Kaif emphasized that the BCCI’s financial power should allow it to attract the best experts in the field. “We have so much money that if we call someone, they will come running,” he stated on his YouTube channel. He pointed out that players often leave their domestic commitments to participate in the IPL, highlighting the appeal of working with the BCCI. However, he noted his surprise at the lack of success in recruiting elite physiotherapists and medical professionals, despite the lucrative contracts offered. The timing of these concerns is critical as India prepares to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series starting in Galle on August 15. The absence of key players due to injuries poses a challenge for the team's performance and raises questions about the effectiveness of the CoE in managing player health and recovery. Kaif urged immediate action to resolve the staffing issues, stating that the current situation is significantly impacting the team's readiness and overall strategy. In a related development, VVS Laxman is reportedly in line for a major new role within the BCCI. The former India batter, who currently heads the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, is likely to assume the position of Director of Cricket. This move would expand his influence beyond the CoE, placing him at the center of India's cricketing operations. The potential appointment comes as the BCCI considers a reshuffle of key positions in September, following the expiration of Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chairman of the senior selection committee. Sources indicate that Laxman's role as Director of Cricket could involve coordinating between the senior team, selectors, coaches, the CoE, and various stages of the player pathway. This would build upon his existing work at the CoE, where he has been instrumental in player development and high-performance programs. His recent interim coaching stint in Zimbabwe, where he led a young India squad to a 3-0 T20I series victory, has further fueled discussions about his potential future roles. The proposed change in Laxman's responsibilities is timely, given the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup and the scrutiny surrounding India's recent performances and coaching setup. While Laxman has previously indicated his primary focus remains the CoE, the potential shift to a broader role suggests a strategic move by the BCCI to ensure continuity and effective coordination across all aspects of Indian cricket. As the BCCI navigates these transitions, the effectiveness of the CoE and the ability to secure top medical expertise remain crucial factors in addressing the ongoing injury crisis and ensuring the long-term success of Indian cricket.