The number of injured players in the Indian team is increasing these days. Several players are currently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, undergoing rehabilitation or suffering from injuries. Meanwhile, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, a very important review meeting was held at the Centre of Excellence, and several points were made at the subsequent press conference. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia personally traveled to Bengaluru to meet with the Centre’s head, VVS Laxman, and other senior officials. Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir also participated online. CoE head VVS Laxman stated that there is no lack of coordination or misunderstanding between the BCCI, CoE, and the Indian team management. He issued this clarification amid questions surrounding injuries to Indian players and their recovery time.
What did VVS Laxman say about the injured players?
VVS Laxman said that the BCCI, “Centre of Excellence, the managers of the men’s and women’s teams, the doctors-physio (SSM staff), and the selectors all work together as a team. If an injured player doesn’t recover as quickly as expected, the COE head speaks directly to the chief selector and head coach. These conversations are very relaxed. The players also understand and accept that they are not fully fit to play matches right now. Here, the main focus is on the player’s health and the team’s needs, which makes coordination very easy.”
No miscommunication between BCCI, CoE and Indian team management, says Laxman 🗣️
🔗 https://t.co/FwsBG6ehqapic.twitter.com/VkzSGAEnyt
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 9, 2026
What did VVS Laxman say on the question of concern over the increasing workload of the players?
VVS Laxman also spoke about the increasing workload of players. He said, “I don’t think it’s a matter of concern. Obviously, playing at the elite level, you’re expected to give more than 100%. If you’re not doing that, you’re not doing justice to your role or the purpose of team selection. There’s no doubt that the modern generation probably has to play a lot more cricket than in my time. Obviously, with the advent of T20, there are now three formats, but that’s okay. The initiatives taken by the COE and SSM staff will benefit them. This isn’t just for contracted or targeted players, but it will also benefit state players. So, I think injuries are a part of any player’s life.”
Injuries are part of the game – VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman has described injuries as an integral part of the game. He said that if you think you can’t get injured, you’re probably not playing to your full potential. Laxman said, “I just want to reiterate that when you’re playing at the highest level, you finish a series. From then until the next series, you automatically work hard to improve and get fitter. Even if you do that, you can still get injured while playing at the highest level. So, if you’re thinking about avoiding injuries, you’re not playing to your full potential. One thing that needs to be focused on, and which has changed significantly, is how you view injury. Do you see injury as a negative thing? Or do you think injury is a natural part of the game? You obviously improve and develop player care processes, but injuries are bound to happen.”