BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia meets VVS Laxman to discuss Centre of Excellence plans

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence, to review current activities and chart its future roadmap. The meeting in Mumbai also involved top officials, amid reports linking Laxman to Team India’s coaching role

Mumbai: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met with VVS Laxman, head of the Board’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), to discuss the roadmap for the centre’s future course. The meeting, held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, was also attended by President Mithun Manhas and vice-president Rajeev Shukla.

“Had a fruitful meeting with VVS Laxman, Head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, in the presence of BCCI office-bearers today at Mumbai. Reviewed current activities and charted the roadmap for the Centre’s future course, aimed at further strengthening India’s cricketing talent pipeline,” Saikia posted on Facebook.

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Earlier, Saikia dismissed reports claiming that Laxman is set to replace Gautam Gambhir as head coach of Team India after poor performances in red-ball cricket.

Laxman succeeded former head coach Rahul Dravid as CoE chief in 2021. The BCCI has invested heavily in developing the Under-19 squad, with renewed focus on nurturing future stars at the CoE, including players such as Ayush Mhatre and other U19 cricketers.

A year ago, the BCCI announced plans to expand the CoE to provide world-class facilities for young cricketers. The recent loss of the Under-19 India team in the Asia Cup final raised questions about the CoE’s work.

Reports suggested the BCCI top brass were unhappy with Gambhir over poor team performances and considered replacing him with Laxman. However, some reports also claimed Laxman was reluctant to leave his current post as CoE chief, which involves less travel compared to the head coach’s role.