Bengaluru, Karnataka: Amid questions over the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) and the time taken by players to recover from injuries, its head VVS Laxman has defended the institution, saying it is unfair to blame the centre for delays in players’ return to competitive cricket.
Laxman said cricketers are not machines whose fitness can be restored within a fixed period after every injury. He explained that every injury is different and that players can respond differently to treatment and rehabilitation.
Speaking about the recovery process on Sunday, Laxman said it is not always possible to predict the exact date when a player will be ready to return to competitive cricket.
Strong Coordination Between COE and Team Management
Laxman also dismissed questions about coordination between the Centre of Excellence and the Indian team management.
He said there is strong and seamless communication between the two sides regarding players’ injuries, rehabilitation and fitness.
The COE’s medical and support staff remain in regular contact with the Indian team management. A player’s return is decided only after assessing their recovery, fitness and overall condition.
Several Key Players Undergoing Rehabilitation
Several prominent Indian cricketers are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence.
The list includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar, and top-order batter B. Sai Sudharsan.
The players are working under the supervision of specialists at the centre. Their return to competitive cricket will depend on their individual recovery and fitness levels.
Why Injury Recovery Can Take Different Amounts of Time
According to Laxman, injury rehabilitation cannot always be placed within a rigid timeline.
One player may recover quickly from a particular injury, while another may need significantly more time even when dealing with a similar problem. Recovery can depend on several factors, including the nature and severity of the injury, the player’s physical response and their progress during rehabilitation.
Laxman stressed that players should not be rushed back onto the field simply to meet a predetermined deadline. A premature return could increase the risk of aggravating an existing injury or suffering another setback.
Laxman Backs the Role of the Centre of Excellence
The BCCI Centre of Excellence plays an important role in the injury management and rehabilitation of Indian cricketers.
Laxman said that the additional time required by a player to recover should not automatically be considered a failure of the institution. Instead, rehabilitation should focus on ensuring that players are medically and physically ready before returning to competitive cricket.
His message was clear: player recovery is an individual process that requires patience, medical assessment and a personalised rehabilitation plan. A player’s return should ultimately be determined by their fitness and readiness rather than by a fixed timeline.
