The Indian cricket team faces injury nightmare with several key players undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), severely disrupting team balance and squad selections across formats.

Hardik Pandya (quadriceps), Nitish Kumar Reddy (hamstring), Harshit Rana (hamstring) and Varun Chakaravarthy (hamstring) have been out of action for quite a while.

While Jasprit Bumrah (knee) and Sai Sudharsan (left foot big toe) were included in India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour subject to fitness clearance, they couldn’t recover in time.

Among other players, Akash Deep (lower back stress fracture) has been out for the longest time since Bengal's Ranji Trophy semi-final defeat. Washington Sundar (quadriceps) and Prince Yadav (hamstring) are also undergoing fitness assessment and rehabilitation at CoE.

Amid the crisis, CoE head VVS Laxman on Sunday (August 9) spoke to the media alongside BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and BCCI President Mithun Manhas, addressing the recent injury woes.

During the press conference, Laxman admitted that the Indian board and CoE have found it tough to hire a new Sports Science and Medicine Head.

The position has been vacant since Nitin Patel left the role in March 2025. Laxman revealed that several candidates pulled out at the last minute after initially agreeing to the job.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India batter Mohammad Kaif weighed in on the issue, criticizing the BCCI for "taking injuries lightly" and expressing disbelief over the board's failure to secure top-tier sports science and medical professionals.

“There was a statement from VVS Laxman that they had approached several people. Those things were being worked out, but at the last minute, they turned it down. So, what I am trying to say is that whatever is happening needs to be fixed. I am not an expert on this. The experts appointed by the BCCI need to do their job. But I am telling you that it is having a significant impact," Kaif said.

“Now, I am surprised because so many people are eager to work with the BCCI. We have so much money that if we call someone, they will come running. They do, don’t they? Just look at the players. Players leave their countries’ matches to come and play in the IPL. They come, don’t they? So, I was a little surprised that we haven’t been able to work things out with some of the world’s best physiotherapists and medical professionals and get them to work with the BCCI. I am surprised because we pay so much. We offer such good contracts. If someone comes and works here, they are bound to make a lot of money. They get paid very well," he added.

Kaif cited the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s—where India conceded 387 runs in the absence of injured Bumrah—as proof that mishandling fitness directly impacts match outcomes.

“We are taking injuries too lightly. Bumrah didn’t play at Lord’s, and we conceded 387 runs. That was a crucial ODI. The series was tied at 1-1, it was the third and deciding match, and we conceded 387. So I feel this needs to be worked on. Everyone involved needs to sit down, put their full energy and focus into it, and find a solution," he remarked.

Key candidates who withdrew includes former Indian team physio Andrew Leipus, who agreed to terms but backed out at the last second due to personal family reasons.

“Unfortunately, after Nitin left as the head of Sports Science, we didn’t get anyone to fill in those shoes. We had Andrew Leipus: everything was agreed upon, Devajit (Saikia, BCCI secretary) had two-three meetings, and at the last-minute, Andrew backed off citing family reasons,” Laxman told reporters.

After Leipus' exit, Laxman, as part of a panel of experts, kickstarted another recruitment drive that shortlisted five candidates.

“Out of (five), the No.1 candidate was Australian. I don’t want to name him, but after being selected, he suddenly backed out saying he can’t move to Bengaluru.

“The second and third candidates are already working at the COE,” Laxman added. “Now, it is our responsibility to upskill them, while looking to identify someone of that stature and experience and knowledge.”

The top medical professional from the New Zealand national rugby team neared a final agreement but pulled out at the last moment. “He almost agreed and at the last moment, backed out (too),” the CoE chief stated.