Kaif criticises BCCI's handling of Indian players' recent injuries

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has expressed serious concern over how the BCCI is managing player injuries, pointing to recent squad changes and match outcomes as evidence of systemic problems. Kaif highlighted the absence of key players from recent matches and the ongoing vacancy in the Centre of Excellence's medical leadership as contributing factors to India's injury crisis.

"We are taking injuries too lightly. Bumrah didn’t play at Lord’s, and we conceded 387 runs. That was a crucial ODI." Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"The series was tied at 1-1, it was the third and deciding match, and we conceded 387. So I feel this needs to be worked on. Everyone involved needs to sit down, put their full energy and focus into it, and find a solution," he added.

Kaif referenced recent statements from VVS Laxman regarding the BCCI's efforts to recruit medical expertise.

"There 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." Kaif added.

Why is the sports science role vacant? asks Kaif

The Centre of Excellence has lacked a permanent Head of Sports Science and Medicine since Nitin Patel stepped down in March 2025, with senior physiotherapist Dhananjay Kaushik overseeing the department in an interim capacity.

"Now, 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’t they? Just look at the players. Players leave their countries’ matches to come and play in the IPL." Kaif added.

"They come, don’t they? So, I was a little surprised that we haven’t been able to work things out with some of the world’s 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," he concluded.

Multiple Indian players are currently struggling with injuries ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka scheduled to begin on August 15. Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep are working on their recovery after different injuries, whereas Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Test series.