In the coming months, the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) ‘Centre of Excellence’ is expected to undergo significant changes in its staff. Nitin Patel, the head of the medical team, has submitted his resignation to the BCCI after a successful stint of nearly three years. A senior BCCI official confirmed to PTI that Nitin, one of the most senior employees of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has indeed stepped down from his position.
A BCCI source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to PTI, “Yes, Nitin has resigned as the head of the sports science and medical team. He had a great tenure with the BCCI and played a crucial role in forming the sports science and medical team at the NCA.” The source added, “One of the best things about the past few years is that whenever a player came here for treatment after an injury, they were only cleared to play once they were fully fit. Nitin’s family lives abroad, and handling the sports science and medical division of the COE is a 365-day job.”
During his tenure, Patel played a vital role in the rehabilitation of prominent players like fast bowler Mohammed Shami, batsman KL Rahul, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The source also hinted that some level three coaches and strength and conditioning coaches might leave their positions in the next few months. Notably, NCA chief VVS Laxman’s term is set to end this year, but he may be requested to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Before Patel, another NCA coach, Sairaj Bahutule, had also resigned and joined the Rajasthan Royals’ support staff. Moreover, Sitanshu Kotak has become a permanent member of the senior men’s team staff. Hrishikesh Kanitkar, an NCA coach associated with the Indian Under-19 team, is still at the COE, but it will be interesting to see if he continues in his role after the Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year. Some specialized batting and bowling coaches might also leave their positions in the coming months to pursue new career opportunities.
As the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence undergoes these changes, it will be crucial to observe how the organization fills the gaps and ensures a seamless transition to maintain the high standards of Indian cricket. With the cricketing world constantly evolving, the BCCI must adapt and make strategic decisions to stay ahead of the curve. The coming months will be significant in shaping the future of Indian cricket, and fans will be keenly watching the developments at the NCA.
Expected Changes at the NCA
Some of the key changes expected at the NCA include:
- Potential new appointments to replace Nitin Patel and other departing coaches
- Extension of VVS Laxman’s term as NCA chief until the 2027 ODI World Cup
- Retention or replacement of Hrishikesh Kanitkar as an NCA coach after the Under-19 World Cup
- Introduction of new specialized batting and bowling coaches
Impact on Indian Cricket
The changes at the NCA are likely to have a significant impact on Indian cricket, with potential effects on:
- Player rehabilitation and injury management
- Team performance in upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 ODI World Cup
- Development of young players and the growth of Indian cricket as a whole