Mohammad Kaif Fires Back At VVS Laxman's Reasoning For India Injuries

Mohammad Kaif questions BCCI and VVS Laxman [Source: AFP]

A few days ago, VVS Laxman, the head of the Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru, was a part of a press conference, where the COE faced some stern questions, especially regarding India’s injury woes. The former middle-order batter revealed some concerning details about the medical staff appointment at the COE, raising questions.

Among the vocal critics is Mohammad Kaif, who looked surprised by what Laxman said and felt the BCCI should be able to handle the situation better, considering a long list of players have been nursing injuries.

What did VVS Laxman say?

VVS Laxman has been in charge of the COE, Bengaluru, since 2021, and under his supervision, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) transformed into COE, with state-of-the-art facilities for cricketers in the country.

However, what has been concerning is the constant fitness struggles for marquee players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Similarly, Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are other names who have struggled for full fitness in the last few years.

While addressing this, Laxman opened up about BCCI’s struggle to replace Nitin Patel at COE. He was the Head of Sports Science and Medicine, and his tenure ended in March 2025.

“After Nitin left, we did not get anyone who could 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,” he said.

Mohammad Kaif questions Laxman and BCCI

Mohammad Kaif, who has been Laxman's teammate for India in the past, has raised questions on Laxman's comments about acquiring a qualified Sports Science Head.

Mohammad Kaif questioned how the BCCI money isn’t attracting the best physiotherapists and medical experts to the COE to provide world-class treatment to injured players.

“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,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“The experts appointed by the BCCI need to do their job. It is having a significant impact. 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?" he asked

"Just look at the players. Players leave their countries’ matches to come and play in the IPL. They come, don’t they?” he added.

Also Read: Washington Sundar Dents India Massively On The Brink Of Sri Lanka Tests

Growing injury concerns for India

Despite India's recent domination, especially in white ball cricket, the team has been on the constat lookout for replacement players in recent months.

In 2026 alone, 8 players have been injured, including the most recent injury to Sai Sudharsan, which has ruled him out of the Sri Lanka Test series.

Among these player has been someone like Harshit Rana, who missed the T20 World Cup and the IPL due to a knee injury, but upon his return, he once again faced an issue, sidelining him for more time.

Since the South Africa Tests late in 2025, captain Shubman Gill has also struggled with neck spasms to add to his history with back issues.

With so  much cricket being played throughout the year, despite a huge roster of talent, the BCCI needs to actively look at the solution to help players get out of this rut, especially with an all-important World Cup coming up in 2027.

Also Read: India Urged To Prepare Life Without Jasprit Bumrah; No Fixed Timeline For His Comeback