BCCI terminates Team India's key support staff's contract in big shake up following review meeting

Following a high-level review meeting, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has terminated the contract of Team India head physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain. Through reliable source Sports Tak has learnt that Jain, who is currently serving out his notice period, is expected to be replaced shortly as the governing body moves to revamp its medical support staff.

Kamlesh Jain's contract as India's physiotherapist ends

The sudden decision comes amid growing frustration over a relentless series of player injuries in recent months. Having held the top medical role since taking over from Nitin Patel in 2022, Jain found himself under intense spotlight as national team members repeatedly sidelined with injury setbacks.

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The situation was further compounded by declining trust in the BCCI's internal medical framework at the Centre of Excellence. With several senior players opting to consult external medical experts rather than relying solely on the board's in-house team, confidence in the existing protocol hit a low point. Additionally, players reportedly struggled with the support staff transition following the departure of former strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai and the arrival of his successor, Adrian le Roux.

Team players' growing injury concerns doom Kamlesh Jain's tenure

Management had already pressed the head physio for answers after recurring breakdowns and frequent cramping incidents surfaced during the tour of England, signaling a troubling pattern in squad fitness.

These systemic health concerns persisted into the Test tour of Sri Lanka, where the medical room remained crowded. Nitish Kumar Reddy was sidelined by a quadriceps strain, Harshit Rana was ruled out shortly after returning from a long lay-off, and Jasprit Bumrah's physical status required constant management. To make matters worse, both Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar battled fitness issues in the lead-up to the series.

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On the field, India secured a 1-0 series triumph after the second Test in Colombo concluded in a draw. The visitors appeared primed for a clean sweep after enforcing the follow-on, but Sri Lanka pulled off a gritty final-day escape on the back of Sonal Dinusha's second century of the match.

Even with a heavily depleted squad, India extracted notable positives as young talents like Manav Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel seized their opportunities. The series result kept India holding fifth place in the World Test Championship standings with a 51.52 point percentage.

Looking ahead, the Men in Blue shift focus to an intense white-ball itinerary. Following the three-match T20I leg against Afghanistan in Delhi starting September 13, the squad will pivot toward their campaign at Asian Games 2026.