NEW DELHI: Amidst a burgeoning injury list plaguing the Indian cricket team, the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has found itself under intense scrutiny. However, its head, VVS Laxman, has firmly pushed back against the criticism, asserting that player injuries are an inherent aspect of a cricketer’s career and the institution’s focus extends far beyond mere rehabilitation.
The CoE has recently faced questions regarding rehabilitation timelines, the efficacy of its fitness assessments, and the communication flow between its sports science division and the national selection committee. The growing roster of injured players, including key figures like Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar, has intensified this spotlight.
Laxman, speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, robustly defended the CoE’s multifaceted role. “CoE is not merely a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping cricketers achieve excellence,” he stated, emphasizing the facility’s broader mandate. His remarks come at a critical juncture, with India gearing up for an important Test series against Sri Lanka commencing on August 15th, making the CoE’s injury-management protocols a matter of national sporting concern.
‘We don’t use the term blame’
Addressing the root cause of India’s injury woes, Laxman unequivocally rejected the notion of attributing blame to any single individual or department. He underscored the unavoidable nature of injuries in professional sports, highlighting the paramount importance of continuous monitoring systems. “Injuries are part and parcel of any player’s career. That’s why monitoring system is very critical. And we don’t use the term blame then we will be trying to find scapegoats,” he explained.
The CoE chief detailed the facility’s advanced monitoring systems, which employ dynamic assessment methods beyond conventional fitness tests. “Yo Yo test cannot be done when a player is part of the series, so we have introduced Bronco test by Adrian, so that the fitness can be monitored continously,” Laxman revealed, indicating a proactive approach to player well-being.
To illustrate the effectiveness of these comprehensive assessments, Laxman cited the cases of Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan. He explained that their fitness was evaluated across multiple parameters before any decisions were made regarding their availability. “Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were picked as subject to fitness. We move them from one parameter to other before giving the clearance to play. The communication between CoE and team management is quite seamless,” he added.
These insights are particularly significant given the uncertainty that has surrounded the availability of both Bumrah and Sudharsan for the upcoming Sri Lanka Tests. Despite initially being included in the squad “subject to fitness,” the CoE’s medical and sports science experts ultimately exercised caution following thorough assessments of their respective conditions.
Bumrah’s absence is a considerable blow, with a persistent knee issue exacerbated by an impact injury. Fluid retention necessitated extended recovery, forcing India to plan for the series without their premier fast bowler. Similarly, Sudharsan, despite extensive net sessions during his recovery, continued to experience discomfort in his left big toe, leading to a cautious approach to his return.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia meets VVS Laxman
In a demonstration of the BCCI‘s commitment to understanding and addressing these challenges, secretary Devajit Saikia met with VVS Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru on Sunday. The meeting aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the facility’s rehabilitation and injury-management programme.
For the BCCI, concerns extend beyond merely the number of unavailable players; there’s also a focus on whether the timelines communicated by the CoE consistently align with the expectations of the selectors. However, Laxman steadfastly reiterated that the CoE’s methodology prioritizes continuous assessment and transparent communication, rather than seeking to assign blame when unforeseen setbacks occur.
As India faces a demanding Test season ahead and its injury list continues to grow, the CoE is undoubtedly set to remain under intense observation. Laxman’s message was unequivocal: the facility’s core purpose transcends simply getting injured players back on the field. Instead, it is committed to meticulously managing their overall journey towards sustained excellence in their cricketing careers.
