VVS Laxman, the head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Center of Excellence (CoE), is set to get a big boost as the BCCI looks to restructure its administrative set-up, say sources quoting inside the BCCI.

VVS Laxman, who has been heading the CoE while looking after India's junior teams, rehab programs and other developmental initiatives for men and women, would reportedly continue to lead the CoE. However, his expanded brief will henceforth be known as 'Director of Cricket' – a post that the BCCI does not currently have.

It may be recalled that an extension to Laxman's contract for another two years was likely to be approved in due course.

VVS Laxman's New Role to Connect India's Cricketing Structure

Under the new set-up, Laxman will be in charge of appointments to the Indian cricket staff, besides his other responsibilities. The same will connect the senior cricket and national selection committee, CoE and youth system together.

Laxman's stint at CoE will aid him in this newer assignment as he has already been associated with different levels of the national system, including interaction with the rehab board.

The new position is anticipated to provide a cohesive system for cultivating Indian cricket, with people at different levels interacting and communicating freely.

What It Means for Gambhir And Agarkar

VVS Laxman's possible appointment comes at a critical juncture for Indian cricket as far as the support staff is concerned.

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, is set to vacate his post next month itself. His stint in the post, which has seen the emergence of several young players, has not been without controversy, especially regarding the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in limited-overs cricket.

In this backdrop, the position of the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has also been under scrutiny with the recent dip in Test rankings, which has impacted India's position in the World Test Championship. The two-match series against Sri Lanka, which will have a bearing on the rankings, will be crucial. It may have even more significance as far as Gambhir's position as the Test coach is concerned.

According to the sources, the new position that VVS Laxman is supposed to take up will put him at a higher level than Gambhir and Agarkar, although it is not clear if it will impact their positions immediately.

It was also clarified that both Gambhir and Agarkar were expected to continue with their tenure at least till the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

VVS Laxman's appointment will not impact the current set-up at least till then. In fact, he will be looking after the bigger picture and will be instrumental in tying-up the different aspects of Indian cricket.

A New Beginning for Indian Cricket

It is possible that the formation of the new post, which will oversee the Indian cricket system as a whole, could usher in a new beginning for Indian cricket.

By linking the various constituents, ranging from selectors, senior and junior team management, CoE and youth development, the BCCI will be creating a continuum, which will facilitate evolution at different levels.

Laxman can be expected to build on his experience at the CoE to plan out the future structure of Indian cricket. While Gambhir and Agarkar will continue to hold their positions, Laxman's new role will create a new position, which will usher in a new era for Indian cricket.