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NCA's Head Of Sports Science Exits; VVS Laxman's Tenure Under Scrutiny

Soumyajit Dutta

Nitin Patel and VVS Laxman [Source: @Ctrlmemes_/X.com]Nitin Patel and VVS Laxman [Source: @Ctrlmemes_/X.com]

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised for significant changes at its Centre of Excellence (COE, formerly the NCA) following the resignation of Nitin Patel, head of the Sports Science and Medical team. 

Patel, who spearheaded injury rehabilitation programs for top players during his three-year tenure, stepped down recently, with his departure confirmed by a senior BCCI official. More staff reshuffles, including coaches and support personnel, are anticipated in the coming months as the COE transitions into a new phase.

BCCI Source Confirms Patel's Exit

While Patel remained unavailable for comment, a senior BCCI official acknowledged his exit to PTI.

“Yes, Nitin has resigned as head of Sports Science and Medical Team. Nitin had a very good stint with BCCI and especially during this tenure, where he was instrumental in set-up of Sports Science and Medical team at NCA.” 

Highlighting Patel’s contributions, the official added that Nitin has been a key to the speedy and assured recovery of athletes during his tenure.

"One good thing that happened in the past couple of years is that whenever any injured player did his rehab, he only came back after being more than hundred percent. Nitin's family lives abroad and managing COE's sports science and medical division is 365-days-a-year assignment.”

Patel oversaw critical rehabilitation programs for star players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. 

Patel's exit signals a potential wave of departures, with Level 3 coaches, instructors, and Strength & Conditioning coaches likely to follow suit in the coming months.

VVS Laxman To Exit Role?

COE head VVS Laxman’s tenure is also under scrutiny, set to conclude by year-end. While he may not seek an extension, the BCCI could urge him to stay until the 2027 World Cup. 

Recent exits include coach Sairaj Bahutule, who joined Rajasthan Royals, and Sitanshu Kotak, now part of the senior men’s team staff. Hrishikesh Kanitkar, overseeing India U-19 and India A teams, may reconsider his role post the U-19 World Cup.