The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a step to review its youth development system after the India U-19 team’s loss to Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The BCCI may look to bring VVS Laxman, the team management, selectors, and the COE back on the same page to strengthen player development.
Pakistan posted a total of 347 for 8 following a century from Sameer Minhas. In reply, India struggled as Pakistan’s fast bowlers applied relentless pressure from the start. Ali Raza took four wickets, while Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan also played key roles as India were bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs.
BCCI Turns Up the Heat on VVS Laxman After India U19 Asia Cup debacle
According to a report by The Times of India, the BCCI raised concerns over the development of young players over the last four years. The board is now looking at ways to improve coordination between the team management, selectors, and the Centre of Excellence.
The report added that there is confusion over roles, especially between the CoE coaches and the selectors. VVS Laxman, who recently received a two-year extension as head of cricket at the CoE, has strong control over Under-19 selections and captaincy decisions.
“There is some confusion about role definition. Laxman is firmly in charge of making decisions about U-19 teams. He even has a major say in appointing captains. When Rahul Dravid was head of cricket, he was actively involved in the selection of India ‘A' players because he was the one who was devising programmes for each player. At the moment, Laxman doesn't have much say in the India ‘A' process,” a BCCI source said.
The Trigger: A Crushing Defeat to Pakistan
Not just the heavy loss to Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the India A side also failed to reach the final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup. These results have raised concerns about India’s player development system.
The report added that team officials believe many young players are not ready for the demands of international cricket. Very few players are making a smooth transition from age-group cricket to the senior level, which has worried the management.
The Centre of Excellence has only recently begun full operations, and VVS Laxman is currently occupied with administrative work. At the same time, the coaching staff is undergoing major changes. Fast bowling coach Troy Cooley has come under pressure, as few young pacers have shown clear improvement.
Why VVS Laxman is in the BCCI's Crosshairs?
The report further stated that VVS Laxman does not travel much with developmental teams, unlike Rahul Dravid. Laxman has mostly toured overseas with second-string Indian sides when the main team was engaged in a Test series.
“Most of Laxman's overseas assignments have been with second-string Indian teams when the main team is away on Test assignments. It needs to be seen if he can travel more with the developmental teams,” the source said.
The report also highlighted an unusual decision during the Rising Stars Asia Cup. Jitesh Sharma went to the tournament as captain at the request of the senior selection committee.
He played a major role in deciding team combinations and match strategies, which is not common for developmental sides. Usually, the coaching staff makes these decisions in consultation with the selectors.
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