Former India batter VVS Laxman has mounted a firm defense of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru as the facility faces intense scrutiny over a series of fitness setbacks involving national team members. Laxman, who serves as the head of operations at the state of the art complex, emphasized that the institute is fundamentally misunderstood if viewed strictly as a repair shop for injured athletes. Addressing the media during a press conference in Bengaluru, Laxman pushed back against the narrative surrounding the complex, outlining its broader mission to elevate player performance across all levels rather than serving merely as a recovery ward.
Key Moments
“I think there is no doubt that Virat is an exemplary professional. And the standards he sets for himself are something which he tries and goes out every time he plays (for) whichever team to meet those standards,” Laxman told the reporters at a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Player and Team Performance
High Stakes Ahead of International Assignments The controversy carries added weight as India prepares for an upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 15. Formally known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) before its expansion and rebranding into the modernized Centre of Excellence in late 2024, the Bengaluru facility remains central to India’s workload management strategy, making player readiness a key factor ahead of major international assignments. “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.
