VVS Laxman to Regularly Attend BCCI Senior Selection Meetings

In a strategic move to enhance communication within the BCCI, VVS Laxman will now regularly attend senior selection committee meetings. This decision aims to ensure selectors receive accurate updates on player fitness and injury statuses, following concerns about previous miscommunications. Laxman's involvement is expected to streamline the selection process, especially as the board prepares for upcoming series. With recent changes in the selection committee, including the end of Ajit Agarkar's tenure, Laxman's role is crucial in maintaining clarity and efficiency in player management. This article delves into the implications of this decision and Laxman's ongoing contributions to Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 12:29 IST

BCCI's New Strategy for Selection Meetings

A file image of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. (Photo:X)

New Delhi, Oct 7: VVS Laxman, the head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), will now participate in all senior selection committee meetings to enhance communication between the selectors and the board's high-performance unit, as stated by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

This decision follows Laxman's attendance at a recent meeting in Guwahati, where the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the India A squad for their tour were selected.

Saikia confirmed that Laxman's involvement will be a consistent aspect of future senior selection meetings.

“To prevent any miscommunication between the selectors and the CoE, VVS Laxman will attend all senior selection committee meetings from now on,” Saikia remarked.

During a review meeting in Mumbai, it was agreed that Laxman, in his role as head of cricket at the CoE, would provide selectors with precise and comprehensive updates on player fitness and injury statuses.

“This decision was made during the review meeting in Mumbai, emphasizing that Laxman should be present at all meetings moving forward. The aim is to eliminate miscommunication and ensure selectors receive accurate information for informed decision-making,” Saikia added.

This initiative arises amid concerns regarding the communication between the selection committee and the CoE, particularly about player rehabilitation and recovery timelines.

There were indications that Laxman and former selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar had differing views on the clarity of fitness updates from the CoE.

Recently, several Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and B Sai Sudharsan, have undergone rehabilitation at the CoE.

Agarkar's term concluded on October 4, with the BCCI announcing the opening of applications for his successor on Tuesday.

In August, Laxman addressed criticisms regarding the CoE, asserting that it should not be perceived solely as a rehabilitation facility. He also dismissed claims of a communication gap between the CoE and the selection committee.

The BCCI describes the CoE as an integrated system that combines cricket coaching, sports science, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and technology to enhance India's high-performance framework.

Laxman took over as head of the National Cricket Academy in 2021, leading to the rebranding and enhancement of the CoE. His tenure has been extended until 2026.

In 2024, the BCCI approached Laxman to take over as the head coach of the Indian men's team following Rahul Dravid's departure after the T20 World Cup victory. Laxman declined, citing family commitments and his focus on developing the CoE.

Laxman has also been considered a potential candidate to succeed Agarkar as the chairman of the senior selection committee, with the BCCI opening applications for this position on Tuesday.