New Delhi, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it is once again accepting applications for the position of Head of Sports Science and Medicine at its modern Center of Excellence (CoE) in New Delhi. This role has been vacant since Nitin Patel, the former physiotherapist for the Indian team, left after a successful three-year tenure. Patel was instrumental in overseeing the recovery of players like Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami, ensuring they were fit in time for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup.

In its media advisory, the BCCI stated that the selected candidate will be responsible for all aspects related to sports science and medicine in Indian cricket. This includes planning for elite cricket programs and ensuring players receive optimal medical and fitness support. The role also involves managing the physiotherapy and strength and conditioning departments at the CoE and collaborating with their heads and experts.

Furthermore, the appointee will work closely with coaches from the national team and the CoE, as well as with other performance specialists, to create an integrated support system that enhances player fitness, recovery, and performance. The focus will be on promoting long careers for players, improving their fitness, and utilizing modern medical facilities effectively.

The chosen individual will oversee injury prevention, recovery processes, and rehabilitation, while also enhancing physical development and adopting new research and techniques. The BCCI emphasized that the candidate should have a master’s degree in sports science or a related field, with a doctorate preferred. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience in leading a team of specialists in professional or Olympic-level sports is required.

Applicants must be under 60 years of age and will report directly to VVS Laxman, the head of cricket at the CoE. Interested candidates can submit their applications online until September 30 at 5 PM. Following this, a shortlist will be created, and selected candidates will be invited for personal interviews.

BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia noted that the board is not rushing to fill this long-vacant position, emphasizing the need for the right candidate rather than merely any qualified individual. He stated that the absence of a head for sports science has not impacted CoE activities, as there are currently about 16 professionals maintaining fitness and rehabilitation facilities.