Laxman’s remarks come in response to concerns regarding the fitness of several Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Sai Sudharsan, who are all recuperating from various injuries at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
In a conversation with select media at the CoE this past Sunday, Laxman emphasized that there is no justification to blame the facility for the extended recovery times of players. He highlighted the effective collaboration between the Centre of Excellence, team management, and sports science personnel.
“The CoE is more than a rehab center; it plays a vital role in assisting cricketers in achieving excellence. Therefore, we refrain from using the word ‘blame’ regarding injuries, as it implies finding a scapegoat,” Laxman remarked.
He continued, “There is excellent coordination between the CoE and the management of both men’s and women’s teams, alongside the SSM staff of both squads. This communication flows without interruption,” he further stated.
Laxman clarified that recovery timelines are determined based on anticipated progress, which can vary depending on each athlete’s response to rehabilitation.
“It’s crucial to recognize that guidelines and timelines are established based on expectations. However, the human body is not a machine, and timelines may not always be adhered to,” he explained.
He noted that a player’s workload is gradually increased throughout rehabilitation, starting from the initial assessment until the athlete is cleared to compete.
“This process involves continuously monitoring how a player is progressing, and based on that, the workload is adjusted. This occurs from the moment they are diagnosed with an injury to when they exit the CoE and are declared fit,” Laxman elaborated.
How does the BCCI CoE communicate player fitness?
Laxman referenced Bumrah and Sudharsan to illustrate the fitness assessment process among the medical team and selectors.
“When referring to Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan, the selector contacts the CoE to request a fitness status report, which we compile and send to the selection committee chairman or chairperson of the women’s selection committee, along with a copy to the head coach of both teams and the BCCI,” he detailed.
Both Bumrah and Sudharsan were initially named in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Tests, contingent on fitness evaluations. However, Bumrah was later excluded from the series, leading to Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi being named as his substitute.
Laxman mentioned that the CoE keeps selectors and team management updated if a player’s recovery does not proceed as anticipated.
“As I mentioned earlier, we assess them and gradual progression from one stage to another. If recovery is lagging, we inform the selection committee chairman and the head coach, ensuring seamless communication so they understand that the player is not yet ready for an international series,” he concluded.
