VVS Laxman Emphasizes Patience and Mental Strength in Injury Rehabilitation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) chief, VVS Laxman, has stressed the importance of adhering to rehabilitation protocols and maintaining patience during the recovery process for injured cricketers. Laxman believes that prioritizing the well-being of players is paramount, even if it means extending the rehabilitation timeline.
In recent years, several prominent Indian cricketers, including Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Prasidh Krishna, have undergone extensive rehabilitation at the CoE. Laxman highlighted that these players have returned to the field fully fit and with their skills intact, demonstrating the effectiveness of the CoE’s approach.
Laxman emphasized that players must avoid rushing through the rehabilitation process and instead focus on following the prescribed protocols diligently. He explained that recovery timelines can vary, and it is crucial to be patient and allow the body to heal properly.
“Having patience to follow the protocols is very, very critical,” Laxman said. “We have seen Rishabh Pant’s case and we have seen Jassie (Jasprit Bumrah) being here, along with Shreyas, KL, Prasidh…a lot of players. They have really worked hard, showed patience, and were rewarded.”
Laxman also highlighted the mental challenges associated with rehabilitation. He noted that elite athletes are accustomed to rigorous training and competition, and being confined to a rehabilitation room can be mentally taxing.
“The challenging part of the rehab is that the entire rehab will probably be for two-three hours in the whole day and the rest of the day they (players) have nothing to do,” Laxman said. “Here we are talking about elite sportspersons who actually are busy playing or training six to eight hours, and suddenly they realize that they are confined to the rehab room.”
To address this, Laxman emphasized the importance of mental strength and resilience. He encouraged players to stay positive and avoid frustration during the rehabilitation process.
Laxman also discussed the CoE’s injury-prevention program, which aims to minimize the frequency of injuries. He explained that standardized fitness protocols have been implemented across all levels of Indian cricket, from the national team to state teams.
Additionally, the CoE has expanded its rehabilitation facilities to domestic players. Through telemedicine and collaborative efforts with state associations, the CoE provides support and guidance to ensure that injured players receive the best possible care.
