Question looms over BCCI's CoE (Source: @Rajiv1841/x.com, @SohelVkf/x.com)
As the senior Indian team rides a wave of thrilling success, an unexpected slump in the Under-19 setup has raised serious eyebrows. After a massive 191-run defeat in the final match of the Under-19 Asia Cup final against arch-rivals Pakistan stirred controversy.
In the last few years, BCCI’s CoE has played a crucial role in the development of the under-19 side. After the recent disappointment, they have come under the scanner, with growing concerns over whether player development is truly heading in the right direction.
CoE under the scanner after a recent setback
Not long ago, the BCCI rolled out a game-changing vision by setting up the Centre of Excellence to groom young talent the right way. The young cricketers got world class infrastructure at the CoE but the recent humiliating defeat of the under 19 side in the final match of the Under-19 Asia Cup raised eyebrows.
It's not just a single defeat as the India A side also failed to make their way to the final match of the Rising Stars Asia Cup final. The consecutive fall outs grabbed the attention as the CoE came under fire. After the repeated setbacks, fingers raised over CoE’s role to give best talents to Indian cricket.
Accountability in focus as roles come into question
Taking over from former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman took the charge of BCCI’s CoE from 2021. Four years of relentless effort later, however, consecutive setbacks have begun to raise uncomfortable questions. As reported by the Times of India, a BCCI source sparked concerns over the confusion about role definition.
“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,” the source said.
Adding to this, another major concern looming over Laxman. During Rahul Dravid’s reign, the former India coach was deeply hands-on, working closely with developmental squads, guiding them at every step, and even travelling with the teams. That is a missing piece of the puzzle in Laxman’s tenure. The source has also highlighted the issue .
“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 added.
The Under-19 Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals turned out to be a nightmare for the India Under-19 side after a massive 191-run defeat. With the Under-19 World Cup set to begin in January 2026, the focus now shifts to fixing the cracks and reshaping the system from within.
The Men in Blue have a great record in the tournament and fans eagerly wait for the next generation to rise and rule the big stage.
