VVS Laxman Defends BCCI Centre of Excellence as Multiple Indian Players Face Injury Setbacks
VVS Laxman, the head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE), has defended the institution following heightened scrutiny over fitness concerns affecting several senior national players. Speaking at a press conference attended by BCCI President Mithun Manhas and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, Laxman clarified that the facility serves broader developmental functions beyond rehabilitation and detailed the procedures guiding player assessments.
What Happened
The Centre of Excellence came under administrative and public focus after five senior Indian cricketers were sidelined due to medical issues. The injured contingent includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is managing left knee swelling and fluid retention, and batter B Sai Sudharsan, who sustained a big toe injury. Additionally, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are dealing with hamstring issues, while all-rounder Washington Sundar is sidelined with a quadriceps complaint.
Amid these developments, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia conducted a review visit to the facility on August 9 to assess its injury-management protocols. Addressing media questions, Laxman stated that the facility’s scope extends across the complete development of Indian cricket talent rather than operating strictly as a recovery clinic.
Laxman also explained that injuries are an inevitable aspect of professional sports and firmly dismissed assigning blame or finding scapegoats. To maintain fitness data during active competitions where standard Yo-Yo testing is not practical, Laxman confirmed that the facility introduced the Bronco test, brought in by Adrian, enabling continuous monitoring while players are on tour.
The CoE has also been navigating administrative hurdles in its medical wing. The sports science division has operated without a permanent leader following the departure of Nitin Patel in early 2025, with multiple candidates withdrawing from consideration for the Head of Sports Science and Medicine position.
Key Highlights
- Facility Purpose: VVS Laxman emphasized that the CoE is designed for holistic player development and high performance, not merely physical rehabilitation.
- Five Players Sidelined: Fitness setbacks involve Jasprit Bumrah (knee swelling and fluid retention), B Sai Sudharsan (toe injury), Harshit Rana (hamstring), Nitish Kumar Reddy (hamstring), and Washington Sundar (quadriceps).
- New On-Tour Protocol: The Bronco test has been adopted to monitor player fitness during series when Yo-Yo testing cannot be conducted.
- Cautious Medical Clearance: Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were selected subject to fitness, but medical staff withheld clearances after multi-stage evaluations.
- Leadership Vacancy: The position of Head of Sports Science and Medicine remains vacant following Nitin Patel’s exit in early 2025.
Why This Matters
The operational protocols at the Centre of Excellence directly influence team selection and player availability ahead of international fixtures. Because fitness decisions require clearance across multiple medical parameters, the facility’s assessments dictate whether key players are permitted to compete. The adoption of continuous tracking mechanisms like the Bronco test aims to prevent unmonitored physical strain during congested playing schedules.
What to Watch Next
With India’s Test series against Sri Lanka scheduled to commence on August 15, 2026, medical staff at the Centre of Excellence face a limited timeframe to re-evaluate the five injured players and decide on any potential clearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan not cleared to play?
Both players were initially included in the squad subject to fitness. Following multi-stage medical assessments across various parameters, CoE medical and sports science staff adopted a cautious approach and withheld playing clearance.
What new fitness test has the BCCI Centre of Excellence introduced?
The CoE introduced the Bronco test, implemented by Adrian, as an on-tour alternative to the standard Yo-Yo test to ensure continuous fitness tracking during series.
Who currently leads the sports science department at the CoE?
The sports science division has been without a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine since the departure of Nitin Patel in early 2025, following multiple candidate withdrawals during the hiring process.
Source: Information in this report is based on statements from VVS Laxman and reporting by CricTracker.