3 weeks ago
VVS Laxman explains why BCCI cannot hire Sports Science head
The Indian cricket team is having a tough time because many players are getting hurt.
Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah were supposed to play in a Test series against Sri Lanka, but they did not heal in time and had to stay home.
India's cricket board, called BCCI, runs a special center in Bengaluru called the Centre of Excellence.
This center helps players recover from injuries and stay healthy.
VVS Laxman is in charge there, and he says the center is missing an important leader.
The job title is Sports Science and Medicine head, and this person makes sure players rest enough and do not get too tired.
The board found several great experts for the job, but each one changed their mind at the last moment.
Some said no because of family reasons, and one did not want to move to Bengaluru.
Laxman says that is why it has been so hard to fill the position since the last person, Nitin, left.
He believes the center is still doing its best to help players recover.
BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief VVS Laxman defended the centre's role amid the Indian cricket team's injury crisis.
Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah were withdrawn from the upcoming Sri Lanka Test tour after failing to recover in time.
The CoE has not found a replacement Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) head since Nitin left the position.
Shortlisted candidates, including Andrew Leipus, an Australian professional, and a sports science head from New Zealand's All Blacks, backed out at the last moment.
The SSM head manages players' injury, workload, and recovery; recovery was cited as a main reason for frequent player injuries.
- Who
- VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, and injured players Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah.
- What
- The BCCI's Centre of Excellence has been unable to hire a Sports Science and Medicine head, with several shortlisted candidates backing out, hindering player injury management.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India (Centre of Excellence); the Sri Lanka Test tour.
- When
- Recently, ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka Test tour.
- Why
- Candidates for the SSM head role withdrew at the last moment for reasons including family obligations and unwillingness to relocate to Bengaluru.
Key facts
- Organisation
- BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), Bengaluru
- CoE chief
- VVS Laxman
- Vacant position
- Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) head
- Withdrawn players
- Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah (Sri Lanka Test tour)
- Candidates who backed out
- Andrew Leipus, an Australian candidate, and an All Blacks sports science head
- Reasons for backing out
- Family reasons; unwillingness to move to Bengaluru
- SSM head responsibilities
- Injury, workload, and recovery management
- Injury concern
- Recovery cited as main reason for frequent player injuries (expert Jivesh Bali)
Quotes
VVS Laxman
Former Indian batsman and head of BCCI's Centre of Excellence
“"After Nitin left, we did not get anyone who can fill in that position. We had Andrew Leipus, everything was agreed upon, in fact, Devajit had two or three meetings with him but suddenly Andrew backed off at the last moment citing family reasons."”
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