VVS Laxman holds the future of Indian cricket in his hands

For someone whose batting career was built on patience, determination and an understanding of the game, the transition into the top level of cricket administration appears quite natural.

Even though 14 years have passed since VVS Laxman retired as a player, he continues to give his best efforts to the cause of Indian cricket. On Sunday, November 1, the talented Hyderabadi celebrated his 52nd birthday. Now, as the Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he is shouldering a huge responsibility and guiding Indian cricket towards a brighter future. 

Laxman was born on November 1, 1974, in Hyderabad. All residents of the Twin Cities know the facts behind his gradual transition into one of India’s leading cricketers. It was his uncle, Baba Krishna Mohan, who used to encourage and guide him towards cricket when he was growing up. His uncle was a left arm seamer who was coached by AR Bhupathi at the same time as MV Narasimha Rao, P Jyotiprasad, V Manohar and John Manoj. 

Few Indian cricketers have enjoyed the affection and admiration of cricket lovers quite like Laxman did. An elegant batsman with extraordinary wristwork, impeccable timing and a special fondness for batting under pressure, Laxman carved out a unique place for himself in Indian cricket.

Laxman made his Test debut against Australia at Sydney in 1996. Although he took some time to establish himself in the Indian team, his immense talent was never in doubt. His real breakthrough came during India’s historic home series against Australia in 2001.

Laxman featured in one of the greatest Tests in history

The second Test at Kolkata remains one of the greatest matches in cricket history. Following on after conceding a huge first-innings lead, India staged an extraordinary recovery, with Laxman scoring a magnificent 281 and Rahul Dravid contributing 180. Their partnership of 376 runs turned the match on its head. India went on to win by 171 runs, ending Australia’s remarkable 16-match winning streak.

That innings transformed Laxman’s life and career. His ability to dominate the most formidable bowling attacks became a hallmark of his batting. He was particularly effective against Australia, whose bowlers frequently found his wristy strokeplay difficult to contain. Laxman played 134 Tests, scoring 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97, with 17 centuries. In One-Day Internationals, he appeared in 86 matches, scoring 2,338 runs, including six centuries.

Smooth transition into administration

After retiring from international cricket, he made a smooth transition into administration and coaching, continuing to serve the game in a different capacity.

One of his major achievements has been his involvement in transforming the National Cricket Academy (NCA) into the much larger and better-equipped BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Under his leadership, the institution has expanded its activities to include sports science, fitness training, injury management and advanced coaching facilities. 

Laxman has also emphasised that these facilities should benefit domestic and emerging cricketers, and not merely India’s contracted international players. The development of women’s cricket and the identification of young talent have also received his attention and benefitted as a result of his work.

Laxman declined an opportunity to become India’s head coach in 2024, preferring to continue with his work at the Centre of Excellence. His responsibilities have also grown to include closer coordination with the senior selection committee, particularly on matters concerning players’ fitness and rehabilitation.

For someone whose batting career was built on patience, determination and an understanding of the game, the transition into the top level of cricket administration appears quite natural. His present contribution may not be measured in runs or centuries, but in the quality of cricketers he helps develop for India. 

It is a different innings for VVS Laxman, but one that could prove equally valuable to the future of Indian cricket.