Nitin Patel, the head of BCCI’s medical team, has reportedly resigned from his position. The recently inaugurated Centre of Excellence (COE) is also expected to see changes in its staff. Patel, who headed the Sports Science and Medical Team, ended his tenure by submitting his resignation after serving successfully for nearly three years.
A senior BCCI official confirmed the development, as per a PTI report:
“Yes, Nitin has resigned as head of Sports Science and Medical Team. Nitin had a very good stint with BCCI and especially during this tenure, where he was instrumental in set-up of Sports Science and Medical team at NCA,” the source was quoted as saying.
“One good thing that happened in the past couple of years is that whenever any injured player did his rehab, he only came back when after being more than hundred percent. Nitin’s family lives abroad and managing COE’s sports science and medical division is 365 -days-a-year assignment,” the source added.
Nitin Patel played a key role in managing injuries for several high-profile Indian cricketers, including star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, ace fast bowler Mohammad Shami, top batter KL Rahul, and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, among others.
BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) could see staff changes in the near future
A source further revealed that several Level 3 coaches, instructors, and Strength and Conditioning coaches may step down in the coming months. BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (formerly NCA) could also see the departure of former Indian legend and NCA head VVS Laxman.
Laxman’s tenure is set to conclude by the end of the year. While he may be asked to extend his role until the 2027 World Cup, it is unlikely that he will do so. Before Nitin Patel’s resignation, coach Sairaj Bahutule had also left his NCA role to join IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals as part of their support staff.
Additionally, Sitanshu Kotak has now joined the coaching staff of India’s senior men’s team. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether Hrishikesh Kanitkar, a key NCA coach who occasionally oversees India A teams, will continue until the U-19 World Cup early next year.
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