Former India batter Mohammad Kaif took a subtle dig at BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman amid India’s
ongoing injury concerns. His comments came after India’s warm-up game against SLC XI, with the first match of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka set to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium.

Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Mohammad Kaif), he said, “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.”

“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 is something that needs to be worked on. Everyone involved needs to sit down, put their full energy and focus into it, and find a solution,” he added.

BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman recently shared that the board has faced difficulties in appointing a new Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) head.

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“After Nitin left, we did not get anyone who can fill in that position. We had Andrew Leipus, everything was agreed upon, in fact, Devajit had two or three meetings with him but suddenly Andrew backed off at the last moment citing family reasons. We conducted a full-fledged interview process where we had Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Dr. Ashish Soni, Dr. Rohan Khavte and myself, we shortlisted five candidates and number one was an Australian. After selecting him, suddenly he backed out saying he cannot move to Bengaluru,” he stated.

“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.

“So, I don’t understand what the reason is. Three or four people have apparently turned it down. Whether it is because of a full-time job or whatever the reason may be, the people sitting there will understand it. But I am telling you that the impact could be huge. We are talking about major series and the World Cup. If one or two players are not fully fit or get injured at the last moment during a World Cup, that could have a major impact. A World Cup lasts for a month, and an ODI can keep you on the field for six or seven hours. Your fitness is going to be tested there,” he concluded.