VVS Laxman, Gambhir and Agarkar - (AFP)
In a significant development, VVS Laxman himself ruled out the possibility of taking up the role of either the head coach or the chief selector at the BCCI. Currently, Gautam Gambhir serves as the head coach of the Indian team, with Ajit Agarkar leading the BCCI selection committee panel.
Earlier, several reports suggested that VVS Laxman could come in for Gautam Gambhir or Ajit Agarkar after India's torrid run on the UK tour. While Gambhir's tenure runs till the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup, a recent report from Dainik Jagran revealed that Laxman could replace Agarkar, whose contract ends in September 2026.
VVS Laxman confirms CoE contract extension, chances of replacing Agarkar or Gambhir dismissed
VVS Laxman enjoyed stellar success as India's interim head coach in Zimbabwe, where the Men in Blue whitewashed the home side in the three-match T20I series.
Laxman helped India regain their mojo in Zimbabwe after suffering eight defeats to Ireland and England combined. The Indian team's incredible performance in Zimbabwe in Laxman's coaching further fuelled the discussions of giving him a bigger responsibility in the Indian cricket ecosystem.
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In fact, reports suggested that the former cricketer could succeed Ajit Agarkar as the BCCI chief selector if the Indian team wouldn't live up to the expectations in the Sri Lanka Tests.
However, VVS Laxman himself disclosed that he has further extended his contract as the Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). This means the former Indian cricketer will remain at the Bengaluru-based facility for the time being, ruling out the possibility of him replacing Agarkar as the head of the BCCI selection committee.
"I extended my time at CoE for two more years," Laxman told in a press conference at the CoE, also attended by the BCCI president Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Why VVS Laxman can't replace Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar
VVS Laxman was appointed as the Head of Cricket at the BCCI CoE after Rahul Dravid vacated the position to serve as the head coach of the Indian cricket team in November 2021.
While he was initially appointed for three years, Laxman's contract was extended for another year in 2024. Under Rule 38 of the BCCI constitution, an individual can't hold multiple positions simultaneously, as it will violate the conflict of interest protocol of the governing body.
As Laxman has revealed that his contract was extended for two more years in 2025, he will continue his role at the CoE till 2027. This further means that the Rule 38 of the BCCI constitution prevents him from taking up the head coach as well as the chief selector's job while actively serving at the CoE.
What's VVS Laxman's next assignment with Team India?
Gautam Gambhir is the Indian team's head coach on their current tour of Sri Lanka. However, the former opener will not travel with the Men in Blue to Japan for the Asian Games, set to be played from September 19 to October 4. In his absence, VVS Laxman will return as India's interim head coach for the marquee event.
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