VVS Laxman has addressed reports that some Indian cricketers may have been using personal trainers during rehabilitation, saying the development was new to him and that the BCCI already has a system in place to monitor players’ fitness.
The former India cricketer and current head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) said the centre is responsible for the strength and conditioning needs of contracted players, while its staff also monitors targeted and age-group cricketers.
The CoE has played an important role in developing young players and helping cricketers recover from injuries. However, VVS Laxman has faced criticism in recent times amid India’s growing injury concerns, including questions over whether some players have been released from the centre before being fully fit.
During a press conference with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Laxman was asked about reports suggesting that certain players had been using personal trainers while undergoing rehabilitation. VVS Laxman said he was surprised to hear about the reports and had no update suggesting that contracted players were turning to personal trainers.
He explained that the Indian team’s strength and conditioning staff keep track of contracted players, while the CoE’s S&C team monitors targeted and age-group players. According to Laxman, the BCCI uses an Athlete Management System (AMS) to record players’ training and rehabilitation sessions.
He also pointed out that GPS technology is used to document players’ activities and monitor what they are doing during their fitness programmes. He also defended the experience and credentials of the BCCI’s current strength and conditioning staff.
Speaking about the men’s team trainer Adrian, VVS Laxman highlighted his long association with Indian cricket and recalled that he had been the team’s first foreign fitness trainer in 2002. He backed Adrian’s ability to manage the fitness requirements of the contracted players.
VVS Laxman also praised Nick who recently joined the Indian women’s team, describing him as another highly experienced strength and conditioning professional.
With India continuing to deal with concerns over player fitness and injuries, Laxman’s comments underline the BCCI’s reliance on its existing monitoring system and its team of experienced fitness professionals.
What is your opinion on the increasing incidents of injuries of Indian cricketers?
