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Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Mohammad Kaif<\/a> took a subtle dig at BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman amid India\u2019s ongoing injury concerns. His remarks came after India\u2019s warm-up game against SLC XI, with the opening game of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka set to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium.<\/p>\n India have suffered a double blow ahead of the series, with Jasprit Bumrah<\/a> (knee injury) and Sai Sudharsan (toe injury) ruled out. Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Mohammad Kaif)<\/a>, the 45-year-old opined that the experts appointed by the BCCI need to do their job properly, saying:<\/p>\n \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n Kaif further highlighted that India may be taking injuries too lightly, pointing out how Bumrah\u2019s absence affected the team when he missed the decider against England<\/a> in the ODI series at Lord\u2019s. He added that everyone involved would need to find a solution to the issue, saying:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are taking injuries too lightly. Bumrah didn\u2019t play at Lord\u2019s, 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Apart from Bumrah and Sudharsan, several other Indian players, including Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy<\/a> and Washington Sundar, are also dealing with injuries.<\/p>\n BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman<\/a> recently revealed that the board has faced difficulties in appointing a new Sports Science and Medicine (SSM) head. He noted that several shortlisted candidates have withdrawn at the last moment after initially being selected for the role, stating (via WION<\/a>):<\/p>\n \u201cAfter 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Speaking on the matter, Mohammad Kaif questioned how the BCCI, despite its vast financial resources and the number of people eager to work with the board, has been unable to resolve the issue. He also warned that if India\u2019s injury woes continue, the team could face serious challenges in the World Cup and other major series, saying:<\/p>\n \u201cNow, 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\u2019t they? Just look at the players. Players leave their countries\u2019 matches to come and play in the IPL. They come, don\u2019t they? So, I was a little surprised that we haven\u2019t been able to work things out with some of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cSo, I don\u2019t 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,\u201d he added.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Meanwhile, it remains to be seen when the BCCI<\/a> will be able to fill the vacant position.<\/p>\n\u201cI am surprised because so many people are eager to work with the BCCI\u201d – Mohammad Kaif expresses astonishment over VVS Laxman\u2019s statement<\/h2>\n