India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Thursday (October 8) addressed the BCCI’s decision to involve Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman in selection meetings.
This decision was finalized during a recent review meeting conducted by the BCCI in Mumbai, aiming to prevent miscommunication between the selection panel, team management, and the Bengaluru-based CoE facility.
Previously, a lack of seamless coordination regarding injury management timelines -- notably between the CoE and the senior selection committee under its former setup -- had led to complications surrounding player availability.
Speaking to media on the eve of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi, Kotak said he was unaware of the specifics of the new arrangement but backed Laxman's commitment to Indian cricket, having worked with him at the CoE.
"Honestly, I don't know. I also came to know about what you just said from you. If any injury-related update is to be communicated by Laxman sir, I believe the decision taken by the BCCI will be purposeful," Kotak told reporters.
"I worked with Laxman for three years at the Centre of Excellence. He is very particular. When I was there, he used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, our first duty is to fulfil it.
"Sometimes we used to take leave to go home, but if an Indian player was important and the Indian team wanted him immediately, he would tell us to leave (release) him for a week or two. That is how committed he is.
"So, whatever role he plays, I am sure he will think about what is best for Indian cricket," the batting coach added.
Kotak also emphasized that India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Laxman already maintain a seamless, regular line of communication as a standard operating procedure.
Kotak also said there was already regular communication between head coach Gautam Gambhir and
"I personally have no idea. But I do know that Gautam and Laxman always stay in touch. I have that much idea about them," he remarked.
"As for the other things, I don't know. If there is any need, Gautam speaks to Laxman. That is a normal procedure, which I have always seen. So there is nothing new in that."
Earlier, Saikia clarified that the structural update is not an issue of transparency but rather about operational efficiency. The primary goal is to ensure that the panel relies on up-to-date and complete medical data before finalising national squads.
“VVS was in the meeting to ensure there is no miscommunication between the selectors and the CoE,” Saikia quoted as saying by TOI.
“He is the head of cricket at the BCCI. He has all the information about the players’ injuries, so to avoid any miscommunication, Laxman should attend the selection meetings going forward. It was decided after the review meeting in Mumbai,” he further said.
“It is not about transparency. It is about ensuring that the selectors get complete and accurate information so that they can make the right decisions,” he stated.
Laxman officially began this routine by joining the selection panel during the meetings held in Guwahati on Tuesday (October 6) to pick the Indian T20I squad and India A squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour.
(With PTI Inputs)
