The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a major structural issue with its sports science and medicine department. The position has been vacant since Nitin Patel, the former head, left nearly eight months ago. As per Hindustan Times, despite an advertisement seeking applicants being published over three months ago, no suitable candidate has been found yet.
BCCI’s delay in appointing new head
The report adds that the BCCI had ample time to fill the vacancy after Patel’s contract ended last year. The board first tried direct hiring but when that didn’t work, they advertised the position. Meanwhile, the new Centre of Excellence facility in Bengaluru became fully operational, replacing the old National Cricket Academy. However, without a head for this department, there’s no one to oversee rehabilitation programs for injured contracted players.
Impact of vacancy on player rehabilitation
The absence of a head in this department has raised concerns over player rehabilitation. For instance, Shubman Gill missed the Test series against South Africa due to a neck injury sustained during the Kolkata Test. Rishabh Pant’s foot fracture also needed attention after an injury in England. Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Shami‘s injury and rehab status have been a constant topic of discussion between selectors and the player himself.
BCCI insider emphasizes importance of sports science head
A BCCI insider told Hindustan Times about the importance of this position, saying it’s as critical as that of a head coach or chief selector. The insider also said that the delay in appointing someone for this role is not helping matters. Currently, doctors assess injuries and two physios provide rehab timelines to players. However, without a higher authority in place, accountability is impacted.
BCCI’s official confirms appointment process is underway
Despite the delay, a BCCI official confirmed that the appointment process is underway and candidates have been shortlisted. However, the delay has been evident as talks with past sports science experts like Andrew Leipus and Andrew Kokinos have failed. Leipus has opted to stay with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings instead of taking up this role.
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