Team India Head Coach: When the search for Team India’s new head coach began following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, VVS Laxman was a frontrunner for the role. Having long been associated with the Indian team and having served as interim coach on several occasions, he was a natural candidate; however, he was not appointed as the permanent head coach in 2024. The former Indian batter has now revealed the reason behind this decision. Meanwhile, a two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is set to begin on August 15, with the first match taking place at the Galle International Stadium. This series is crucial for both teams as they aim to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final. Amidst this, VVS Laxman explained why he declined the offer to become the permanent head coach of the Indian team after Rahul Dravid’s departure in 2024.
BCCI Gave Laxman Freedom
Laxman stated that the then-BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and the current Secretary Devajit Saikia granted him complete freedom to work according to his vision. Consequently, he decided to continue his role at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) rather than becoming the head coach. VVS mentioned that he had committed to extending his tenure at the CoE for two years and had decided against taking up the head coach position. He confirmed that he had indeed been approached to become the head coach in 2024. According to Laxman, his focus was on developing a robust, world-class program at the CoE. He expressed a desire to establish essential Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the institution’s various departments before moving on after his two-year term.
Developing a World-Class Program at the CoE
Laxman expressed happiness at having the opportunity to work at the CoE and successfully establish a world-class program there with the team’s support. He noted that the BCCI gave him the freedom to implement his vision and that the current Secretary continues to provide the same level of support. That is why he prioritized his responsibilities at the CoE over taking up the role of Team India’s permanent head coach. The Indian team is now preparing for the Test series against Sri Lanka. To remain in contention for the World Test Championship final, India needs to win at least six of its next nine Test matches. In this context, the match starting in Galle on August 15 will be crucial for India.
