VVS Laxman says CoE is not just a rehab centre amid injury concerns

VVS Laxman defended the BCCI Centre of Excellence after several India players were ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series with injuries. He said the facility's role extends beyond rehabilitation and includes monitoring systems that assess players continuously.

Jasprit Bumrah and B Sai Sudharsan were named in the squad subject to fitness but withdrew after assessments. Laxman said the CoE uses multiple parameters, including the Bronco test, rather than relying solely on conventional fitness tests.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia visited the CoE on Sunday to review the rehabilitation programme. Laxman stated there is seamless communication between the CoE, team management and selectors, and that injuries are an unavoidable part of a player's career.