The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly expressed concern over the functioning of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) after injuries to key players. India captain Shubman Gill also questioned the team's fitness standards following multiple hamstring injuries during the recent tour of England.
The current system lacks the coordination that existed during Rahul Dravid's tenure as Team India's head coach. Notably, the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has been without a full-time head of medical staff since Nitin Patel's departure, creating challenges in managing player fitness and rehabilitation.
Shubman Gill Raises Concerns Over India's Fitness Standards
India's ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill questioned the team's fitness standards after the ODI series defeat in England. Gill struggled with a hamstring issue during the series desipte scoring two half-centuries.
According to a Times of India report, the recent rise in hamstring injuries has exposed gaps in communication between the CoE and the Indian team management. The report also added the standard operating procedures (SOPs) introduced in 2023 have not been updated.
"The flurry of recent hamstring injuries suggests that the players may not have been absolutely fit before taking the field. There seems to be a gap in communication about a player's fitness status and workload between the CoE and the team management," a BCCI source told Times of India.
BCCI Concerned Over Handling of Young Fast Bowlers
The report stated that the BCCI is unhappy with the handling of young pacers Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. Nitish reportedly worked with bowling coach Stefan Jones to increase his pace.
However, BCCI believes such changes should happen gradually instead of during major assignments. The report also claimed Harshit was cleared to return before reaching his pre-injury fitness levels.
"Reddy worked with English bowling coach Stefan Jones to increase his pace. But that needs to be a gradual process when he is with the team leading up to a big event. Instead, he is pushing himself to bowl faster whenever he is with the team," the source said.
"It's a bit concerning how Harshit was cleared by the CoE at the insistence of the team management when he had not attained his pre-knee-injury weight. These things need more care," the source added.
BCCI Questions Injury Management of Akash Deep and Washington Sundar
The report further claimed that Washington Sundar and Akash Deep were not managed carefully during their recovery. Washington was rushed into action during the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Akash Deep suffered a stress fracture after returning from a hamstring injury and playing a heavy domestic workload.
"Washington required a good 10 days to be fit to play a match after joining the squad. He was pushed by the team management to get ready during a tournament. It may have taken its toll. Team can ask for players but the medical team needs to present a clear picture," the source said.
"Akash broke down with his hamstring in between Tests in England last year. He then again was cleared for domestic cricket. He played till Bengal lost the Ranji semifinal and has been out with a stress fracture since. CoE needs to see why these things are happening," the source added.
