Team India Injury Crisis: The Indian cricket team’s injury crisis is currently at its peak. A total of 13 players, both part of the current team setup and future roadmap, have been injured and are undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The BCCI’s medical team is working day and night to ensure these players’ recovery and return to the field, which has proven to be India’s biggest concern at the moment. Several players are also missing from the Sri Lanka tour due to injuries.

Which players are undergoing treatment in CoE?

According to media reports, in addition to Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, key players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sai Sudarshan, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar are currently at the Center of Excellence. Meanwhile, young players like Akashdeep, Himanshu Singh, Ashok Sharma, Suyash Sharma, Yudhvir Singh, and Riyan Parag are also battling injuries.

Which player suffered which injury?

1. Jasprit Bumrah arrived at the CoE on July 30th after being ruled out of the third ODI against England. He has suffered a joint problem in his left knee, which has ruled him out of the Test series against Sri Lanka. Currently, Bumrah will be working on his strength and conditioning, and no date has been set for his return to the field.


2. Hardik suffered a quadriceps injury in his left thigh. He showed good recovery during skill-based practice and was bowling 12 to 15 overs a week at 80 to 90 percent speed. However, he developed pain in his right shin during this time. However, an examination revealed no serious problems. His running was halted as a precaution, but he has now resumed.


3. Nitish Kumar Reddy is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation program from a left thigh injury and has entered the return-to-skills stage. He bowled 16 overs last week. He is practicing running at a higher speed and his recovery is progressing in the right direction.


4. Sai Sudarshan has resumed batting and fielding practice. He batted for 75 minutes in the nets and also ran. However, his injured toe continues to be painful. After two days of long batting and running sessions, an MRI scan will determine his further progress.


5. Harshit Rana is suffering from a right hamstring injury. Arriving at the NCA on July 20th, Rana has significantly improved his recovery strategies and body weight management. Along with rehab, he is also resuming skill-based training.


6. Washington Sundar is also suffering from a right hamstring injury. Sundar, who arrived at the Center of Excellence on July 20, has resumed jogging and is currently performing conditioning exercises. His strength and balance have improved. In the coming weeks, an increased workload will be developed to facilitate his return to the field.


7. Varun Chakravarthy has injured his left hamstring. He will undergo rigorous training in the coming weeks, including sprinting, sudden changes of direction, and strength training. Currently, he is bowling up to six overs at spot bowling and plans to bowl eight overs against batsmen from the next session.


8. Akashdeep was sidelined by a stress fracture in his lower back. Akashdeep has responded well to the Return to Play Program. He has transitioned from initial rehab to a more realistic cricket workload.


9. Mumbai fast bowler Himanshu Singh is in the CoE due to a right knee injury. He resumed spot bowling on July 28th and experienced no discomfort. His bowling and overall training load will be gradually increased in the coming weeks.


10. Ashok Sharma’s case is considered the most serious among the 13 players. He felt a sharp strain in his lower back after the third T20I against Zimbabwe on July 26th. MRI and CT scan images were sent to New Zealand spine specialist Dr. Rowan. Tests confirmed an acute stress fracture of the L1 pars interarticularis and a fracture of the left 11th rib.


11. Suyash Sharma, who hasn’t bowled since the last IPL, was diagnosed with patellar insertional tendinopathy in both knees. After initial treatment failed, he received a PRP injection on July 28th. He is currently undergoing structured rehab and working on strengthening his knees.


12. Yudhvir Singh’s right shoulder pain has significantly eased. He is undergoing full-body strength training and shoulder rehabilitation exercises. However, it may take some time for him to return to the field.


13. Riyan Parag is currently recovering from right shoulder surgery. He has begun a structured strength and conditioning program, although no timeframe has been set for him to resume batting or bowling.