In the world of cricket, where every run and every delivery matters, the behind-the-scenes work of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) is often overlooked. But as VVS Laxman, the head of the CoE, explains, it plays a crucial role in the success of the Indian team. Laxman, in a recent statement, has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding miscommunication between the CoE, team management, and selectors over player management, providing a detailed insight into the protocols and processes in place.
One of the key issues that has been in the spotlight is the spate of injuries to key players. Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, and Washington Sundar are all set to miss the Test series in Sri Lanka due to various injuries. Bumrah is nursing a left knee niggle, while Sudharsan is yet to fully recover from a stress reaction on his right big toe. The CoE's role in managing these injuries and ensuring the players' fitness has come under scrutiny.
Laxman, however, has quashed any talk of miscommunication, emphasizing the seamless coordination between the CoE, team management, Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) staff, and selection committees. He explained that the process involves the selector chairperson reaching out to the CoE for the fitness status report of players, and the CoE collecting the current status and sending it to the selection committee chairperson, along with a copy to the respective head coach and BCCI.
The CoE's role is not merely to rehabilitate injured players, but also to ensure that players meet certain prescribed benchmarks and complete their Return To Play (RTP) programs before receiving the necessary clearance. Laxman stressed that the CoE is a hub for expertise and specialists with whom they have a year-long connection, and that players are sent to the CoE for clinical examination by the SSM team.
One area where the CoE has focused on tremendously is integrating technology into their injury management process. Laxman cited the example of the Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) to underline how certain injuries can be prevented. Through AMS, the workload of players, such as the bowling load for fast bowlers, is regularly monitored, and the CoE has learned that stress injuries often occur not because a fast bowler is bowling too much, but because they are not bowling enough.
The CoE's work extends beyond injury management, as it also plays a crucial role in the overall development and performance of players. Laxman emphasized that the CoE is committed to upskilling its staff and identifying individuals of stature and experience to fill the vacant position of Head of Sports Science & Medicine. He also highlighted the importance of remote monitoring in tracking players' progress and ensuring their readiness for the next phase of their RTP program.
In my opinion, the CoE's work is a fascinating blend of science, technology, and human expertise. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and coordination in sports, and a reminder that success in cricket is not just about talent, but also about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing players for the challenges of the game. As Laxman's statement shows, the CoE is a vital cog in the machine of Indian cricket, and its work deserves recognition and appreciation.
