Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has been appointed as the spin bowling coach at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Cricket Academy in Fulung, North Guwahati, on a one-year contract starting November 2026. The association confirmed the appointment in an official statement issued by its secretary, Sanatan Das, on Monday.

The Role and What It Entails

Sivaramakrishnan will run a structured coaching programme at the ACA academy, working closely with young and promising spinners. He is expected to impart the finer points of leg-spin bowling — including big, looping leg-breaks, googlies, and top-spinners — skills that defined his own playing career. He has already begun engaging with the academy: on 18 October, he conducted a session on the nuances of leg-spin at the facility.

A Decorated Career as Player and Commentator

Chennai-based Sivaramakrishnan made his international debut as a teenager and went on to represent India in nine Tests and 16 ODIs, claiming 26 and 15 wickets respectively. His best Test bowling figures of 6 for 64 came against England in Mumbai in 1984. He was a key figure in India's triumphant campaign at the Benson and Hedges World Championship of Cricket held in Australia in 1985.

After retiring from active cricket, the now 60-year-old built a prominent career in commentary, widely recognised for his sharp insights on spin bowling. He also served as a player representative on the ICC Cricket Committee.

Recent Developments Off the Field

The ACA appointment follows a period of public activity by Sivaramakrishnan. He had reportedly expressed interest in joining IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a coach, posting a direct appeal on X to LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, saying he was confident he could strengthen the franchise's spin attack.

Earlier in 2026, Sivaramakrishnan announced on his X account that he had stepped down from the BCCI's commentary panel, citing insufficient opportunities to conduct toss and presentation ceremonies. He subsequently alleged that colourism, which he said had followed him through his playing career, had also affected his broadcasting career — remarks that drew widespread attention.

What This Means for Assam Cricket

Assam has steadily developed its cricketing infrastructure in recent years, and the addition of an internationally recognised leg-spin exponent at its academy is a significant step. Young spinners in the region will now have direct access to high-level technical mentorship at a formative stage of their careers. The appointment signals the ACA's intent to produce specialist spin talent capable of competing at the national level.