VVS Laxman Opens Up on India Coaching Decision in 2023

Former India batting great VVS Laxman has revealed that he was offered the position of India’s head coach in 2023 but declined the opportunity due to personal reasons. The former India batter, who has been leading the Centre of Excellence since late 2021 when Rahul Dravid moved to the senior team coaching role, made this disclosure on August 9.

Laxman’s decision at that time had significant implications for India’s coaching structure, as it allowed Dravid’s tenure as head coach to be extended beyond the initial plan that was set to conclude after the ODI World Cup.

Laxman spoke directly with BCCI secretary Jay Shah on two occasions to explain his position. Shah understood the reasons behind Laxman’s decision to step back from the head coach role at that juncture.

“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 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,” Laxman was quoted as saying by News18.

Why Laxman prioritised the Centre of Excellence

Rather than pursue the head coach position, Laxman chose to deepen his involvement with the Centre of Excellence. He committed to extending his role at the facility for two additional years, focusing on building the institution’s foundation. This decision reflected his priority to establish the structure, processes and protocols that would define the Centre of Excellence’s operations.

“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,” Laxman continued.

Laxman’s subsequent approach for the head coach role

The Centre of Excellence was formally inaugurated in September 2024 by then BCCI secretary Jay Shah. The facility spans over 40 acres and was designed to nurture cricketing talent and advance sports science in India. Laxman’s extended tenure at the Centre of Excellence allowed him to oversee the establishment of this comprehensive infrastructure.

Laxman was later approached again in May 2024 when the BCCI began the process of identifying Rahul Dravid‘s successor as head coach. He was considered one of the frontrunners for the position at that stage. However, Gautam Gambhir was eventually appointed as India’s head coach, taking over the role after Dravid’s tenure concluded following the T20 World Cup 2024.