Former India batter VVS Laxman has stated that he did not take up the offer to coach the national team after Rahul Dravid’s exit for a couple of specific reasons. He also expressed delight over the progress BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has made under him in the last couple of years.

After Dravid was named India‘s head coach in 2021, Laxman took over his role as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which was subsequently renamed CoE. The BCCI had offered him the post of India’s head coach after Dravid’s stint ended in 2024, but Laxman did not take up the opportunity.

Speaking to select media at BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday, August 9, Laxman revealed that he did not take up the offer to coach India due to family reasons and also because he wanted to develop the CoE. He thus extended his term at the BCCI facility for two years. Laxman said (via Rediff.com):

“Because (former BCCI secretary) Jay (Shah) and the BCCI gave me the freedom to execute my vision, and Devajit (Saikia, current BCCI secretary) continues to give me, I’ve extended (stint at CoE) for two years, and I committed to the BCCI that I’m not taking up the head coach position. You all know that I was approached back in 2024.”

The 51-year-old Indian legend added that he wants to establish the CoE, its structure, the processes and the protocols. Laxman stated:

“I just shared with them all the SOPs for every department, you know, before I move on, after the two years’ stay. So I think I’m very happy that I’ve been able – also because of the team we have – to establish a very, very world class programme at the CoE.”

Meanwhile, as per unconfirmed reports doing the rounds, Laxman is being touted as Ajit Agarkar‘s replacement for the post of chief selector. Agarkar’s term as chairman of selectors comes to an end in September.

VVS Laxman hails India batting great as an exemplary professional

During the aforementioned press conference in Bengaluru, Laxman also praised Indian batting run machine Virat Kohli as an exemplary professional and stated that a lot of youngsters look forward to emulate him. Laxman commented:

“I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays, whichever team, to meet those standards. And that is why he is a great role model. And I think a lot of youngsters or players want to emulate him.”

Meanwhile, Laxman also defended the CoE over the spate of injuries in the Indian camp currently. He stated that the center should not be blamed for the same, claiming that there is seamless coordination between the CoE and the India team management.