In a series of interesting events, former India cricketer VVS Laxman has defended the actual purpose of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru amid growing criticism over repeated injury concerns involving Indian cricketers. Laxman, who oversees operations at the facility, stressed that CoE should not be considered merely as a destination for injured players in a recovery process.
VVS Laxman defends Centre of Excellence
As per the former India batter, its responsibilities extend much further, with a major focus on helping players work on their performance and reach higher standards.
A lot of serious questions have been raised over the functioning of the CoE after a number of injury setbacks involving Indian players occurred in the recent time. The situation has brought its rehabilitation process and fitness evaluation methods under the scanner, while concerns have also emerged regarding the flow of information between the facility's sports science department and national selectors.
ALSO READ: Good news for Team India, Shubman Gill returns to nets after finger injury scare
ALSO READ: Ashmita Chaliha scripts history, clinches maiden BWF World Tour crown at Korea Masters 2026
In a press conference in Bengaluru, Laxman noted that the facility should not be considered just as any rehab centre, emphasising that its role extends to helping players achieve excellence.
“CoE isn’t just a rehab centre. There are bigger roles to play for it in helping players achieve excellence. Injuries are part and parcel of any player’s career. That is why a monitoring system is very critical," said Laxman.
“And we don’t use the term ‘blame’; then we will be trying to find scapegoats," added Laxman.
Challenging times for Indian cricket
Laxman's remarks arrive at a time when India's injury-management system and the CoE's functioning have become big talking points. Several star Indian players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, are currently going through a recovery process at the Bengaluru-based franchise. Their fitness concerns have gained further significance with India preparing to begin an important Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, August 15.