The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a step to review its youth development system after the India Under-19 team’s defeat to Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. BCCI may consider getting VVS Laxman, team management, selectors and CoE on the same page to strengthen player development.
Pakistan scored 347 runs for 8 wickets thanks to the century of Sameer Minhas. In reply, India struggled as Pakistan’s fast bowlers applied constant pressure right from the start. Ali Raza took four wickets, while Mohammad Syam and Abdul Subhan also played key roles as India were bowled out for 156 in just 26.2 overs.
After this, BCCI has increased its anger against VVS Laxman. India loses in U19 Asia Cup
According to a report in Times of India, BCCI has expressed concern over the development of young players in the last four years. The board is now looking at ways to improve coordination between the team management, selectors and the Center of Excellence.
The report said there is confusion over roles, especially between CoE coaches and selectors. VVS Laxman, who recently got a two-year extension as head of cricket at the CoE, has strong control over the Under-19 selection and captaincy decisions.
“There is some confusion about the definition of the role. Laxman is in charge of taking decisions about the Under-19 teams. He even has a major role in the appointment of captains. When Rahul Dravid was the head of cricket, he was actively involved in the selection of India ‘A’ players as he was the one who was preparing the program for each player. At the moment, Laxman does not have much say in the India ‘A’ process,” said a BCCI source.
Trigger: Pakistan’s crushing defeat
Not only the massive defeat against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the India A team 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 states that team officials believe that many of the young players are not ready for the demands of international cricket. Very few players are making the smooth transition from age-group cricket to the senior level, which is worrying the management.
The Center of Excellence has recently started full operations, and VVS Laxman is currently busy with administrative work. At the same time, big changes are taking place in the coaching staff. Fast bowling coach Troy Cooley has come under pressure as some of the young fast bowlers have shown clear improvement.
Why is VVS Laxman the target of BCCI?
The report further adds that unlike Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman does not travel much with the developmental teams. Laxman has mostly played overseas tours with second-string Indian teams when the main team was busy with 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 into 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. Typically, the coaching staff takes these decisions in consultation with the selectors.
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