Bengaluru: VVS Laxman addresses India’s injury crisis amid scrutiny of BCCI facility
VVS Laxman addresses India’s cricket injury crisis amid scrutiny of the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, emphasizing continuous player monitoring.
‘CoE is not merely a rehab centre’: VVS Laxman speaks out as India’s injury crisis puts BCCI facility under scanner
CoE’s Role Beyond Rehabilitation
The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru has been under increased scrutiny due to a growing list of injured Indian cricketers. Head of the CoE, VVS Laxman, has emphasized that the facility’s role extends beyond merely being a rehabilitation centre. He stated that injuries are an unavoidable aspect of a cricketer’s career and that the focus should be on continuous player monitoring rather than seeking blame.
Laxman’s remarks were made at a press conference in Bengaluru, where he highlighted the CoE’s broader objectives in fostering cricketing excellence. His comments come as concerns have been raised regarding rehabilitation timelines, fitness assessments, and communication between the CoE’s sports science team and the national selection committee.
Player Injuries and Assessment Protocols
Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, including Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. These fitness concerns have brought the CoE’s injury-management program into sharper focus, particularly with India preparing for a Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15.
Laxman defended the CoE’s approach, stating that injuries are an inherent part of professional sport. He stressed the importance of a critical monitoring system and mentioned that the CoE does not assign blame for injuries. The facility has introduced the Bronco test by Adrian to continuously monitor player fitness, especially when players are actively involved in a series, as conventional fitness tests like the Yo-Yo test cannot be performed then.
Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were initially included in India’s squad subject to fitness. Laxman cited them as examples of players whose fitness was assessed through multiple parameters before decisions were made on their availability. He affirmed that communication between the CoE and team management is seamless.
However, both players were ultimately ruled out. Bumrah’s absence is significant due to a knee impact injury causing fluid retention, requiring additional recovery time. Sudharsan, despite batting in the nets, continued to experience pain in his left big toe after sustaining the injury during an India A Test against Sri Lanka A.
Challenges and Coordination
A source at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence indicated that players often play through injuries during the IPL due to franchise and financial pressures. This can make 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 physios and CoE physios prioritize player safety, which can complicate matters for selectors, coaches, and captains. This situation has intensified scrutiny on the coordination between the CoE, team management, and selectors, despite Laxman’s assurances of seamless communication.
Other players on the injury list for the Sri Lanka series include Harshit Rana, who is recovering from a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle strain after a major right knee ligament injury. 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. Additionally, there is a fitness concern surrounding India captain Shubman Gill, who hurt his right finger during practice.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia met with VVS Laxman at the CoE in Bengaluru to review the rehabilitation and injury-management program. The BCCI’s concern extends to whether the timelines communicated by the CoE align with the expectations of the selectors. Laxman reiterated that the process focuses on continuous assessment and communication, rather than assigning blame for setbacks.
With a demanding Test season ahead and a growing injury list, the CoE is expected to remain under close observation. Laxman’s message emphasizes the facility’s comprehensive role in managing players’ journeys towards sustained excellence.
Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi, 29, has replaced Bumrah in the Test squad.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Rohan Gupta
Sports Reporter
