Bengaluru, August 9, 2026: VVS Laxman has defended the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as Indian cricket continues to deal with a growing list of fitness concerns ahead of the team’s Test series against Sri Lanka.
Jasprit Bumrah and B. Sai Sudharsan are the latest notable absentees from India’s squad after both players failed to receive fitness clearance for the upcoming two-Test tour.
Laxman, who heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, said there is close cooperation between the CoE, the Indian team management and the Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) department.
Laxman Rejects Blame Game Over Injuries
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Laxman said injuries should not automatically lead to questions about who is responsible.
He explained that players competing at the highest level are inevitably exposed to physical stress and injuries. According to him, the focus should instead remain on monitoring workloads and ensuring players are properly managed.
Laxman also highlighted the broader responsibilities of the Centre of Excellence. He said the facility should not be viewed simply as a rehabilitation centre, as its work covers several areas related to player development and performance.
He expressed confidence in India’s current strength and conditioning setup, including the work of S&C coach Adrian Le Roux.
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan Initially Named in Squad
Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan were both included in India’s Test squad on a conditional basis. Their participation, however, depended on them obtaining fitness clearance before the team travelled.
Neither player eventually cleared the required fitness assessment, forcing India to proceed without the duo.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the decision to initially include players who were still recovering.
Saikia said selection meetings are normally held several weeks before a tour, giving injured players time to recover. He noted that medical recovery cannot always be predicted with complete accuracy because every player’s body responds differently.
Sports Science Position Still Vacant
The BCCI is also continuing its search for a new Head of Sports Science at the Centre of Excellence.
The position has been vacant since Nitin Patel left the organisation in March 2025. Saikia said the delay has largely been caused by a lack of suitable candidates.
Laxman indicated that the BCCI would rather wait for the right person than make a rushed appointment.
Former India and National Cricket Academy medical professional Andrew Leipus was considered the preferred candidate at one stage. However, he eventually withdrew despite initially agreeing to the opportunity.
The BCCI subsequently conducted another extensive recruitment process. One candidate from Australia did not eventually take up the role, while two other candidates involved in the process are now working at the Centre of Excellence.
Laxman said the organisation will continue developing its existing personnel while searching for an experienced professional who can eventually take charge.
India Faces Fitness Challenge Ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
The latest setbacks involving Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan have once again brought the management of player workloads and injuries into focus.
With Indian cricketers playing across multiple formats and competitions, maintaining fitness over a long international season has become an increasingly important challenge.
The BCCI and the Indian team management will now hope that closer coordination between medical, fitness and coaching departments can help reduce disruptions caused by injuries.
