In a massive rejig, Team India great VVS Laxman is set to be given the role of Director of Cricket, as per a report carried by India Today. The 51-year-old could be handed the role as early as September 2026. Laxman is also set to coach the Indian team during the Asian Games 2026 campaign after the successful tour of Zimbabwe.
India Today’s journalist Nikhil Naz also reported that the BCCI is set to extend Ajit Agarkar’s tenure up to 2027. There were reports that the 48-year-old’s contract will not be extended after the latest controversies regarding Rohit Sharma’s future as well as the team’s recent failures in Ireland and England.
The legendary star, who is heading Centre of Excellence (CoE), could be given a massive role. As the Director of Cricket, his role would be to communicate with the senior players, coaching staff, andselection panel, as well as being in regular touch with the CoE and monitoring the progress of upcoming players.
With many voices questioning the lack of clarity and communication, the legend’s elevation could be seen as the right move. With the side going through a transition phase in the Test format, and also the uncertainty over Rohit and Virat Kohli’s ODI future, the move from the BCCI couldn’t have come at a better time.
In 2014, Ravi Shastri was appointed as the Director of Cricket during the ODI series vs England. Then coach Duncan Fletcher had to report to Shastri, after getting drubbed in the Test series under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Laxman’s role, though, will be well defined, with lots of responsibilities to make sure Indian cricket runs smoothly.
Crucial few months ahead for India
On the field, the team is set to play Sri Lanka in a two-match series, and this will be followed by a short T20I series against Afghanistan. The Men in Blue also host West Indies before playing in New Zealand, where they will play 5 ODIs, 5 T20Is and two Tests.
Indian team then comes back home to host Sri Lanka in December and Zimbabwe in an ODI series in early January. The side will also host Australia in a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy.