The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is facing increased examination due to India’s growing list of injured players. VVS Laxman, head of the CoE, has addressed the scrutiny, stating that injuries are an unavoidable part of a cricketer’s career and that the focus should be on player monitoring rather than assigning blame.
Concerns have been raised recently regarding rehabilitation timelines, fitness assessments, and communication between the CoE’s sports science team and the national selection committee. Several key players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar, are currently dealing with fitness issues.
CoE’s Broader Role and Monitoring Systems
Laxman emphasised that the CoE’s role extends beyond merely being a rehabilitation centre. He stated that the facility plays a larger part in helping cricketers achieve excellence.
He also clarified that the CoE does not attribute blame for injuries, viewing them as an inherent aspect of professional sport. Laxman highlighted the facility’s monitoring systems, which continuously assess players, moving beyond conventional fitness tests.
As an example, Laxman mentioned the introduction of the Bronco test by Adrian to continuously monitor fitness, especially when players are actively participating in a series, as the Yo Yo test cannot be performed then.
Bumrah and Sudharsan were cited as players whose fitness was assessed through multiple parameters before decisions were made about their availability. Laxman affirmed that communication between the CoE and team management is seamless.
Bumrah‘s absence is notable, as he continues to experience knee issues following an impact injury, requiring additional recovery time due to fluid retention. Sudharsan, despite batting in the nets as part of his recovery, reported persistent pain in his left big toe.
Player Injuries and Franchise Pressure
A source at the BCCI CoE indicated that players often compete in the IPL while injured due to pressure from franchises and financial considerations. This situation, according to the source, makes their rehabilitation at the CoE more challenging.
The increasing number of injuries, particularly overuse and stress injuries, is attributed to “too much cricket” and the physical limits of the human body. The source noted that team and CoE physios prioritise player safety, which can complicate matters for selectors, coaches, and captains.
Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series due to a big toe injury sustained during an India A Test. He had scored two centuries in two ‘A’ Tests before the injury. Jasprit Bumrah was also ruled out after failing to recover from a left knee issue sustained during the second ODI against England in Cardiff.
Auqib Nabi, a seamer from Jammu and Kashmir, has replaced Bumrah in the Test squad. Harshit Rana is recovering from a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle strain. Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a left quadriceps injury, and Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury. Akash Deep remains unavailable due to stress reactions in his back.
There are also fitness concerns surrounding India captain Shubman Gill.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia met with Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru to review the rehabilitation and injury-management programme. The BCCI‘s concern includes whether the timelines provided by the CoE align with the expectations of the selectors.
India is scheduled to begin a Test series against Sri Lanka.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
