The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues its search for a crucial leadership role at its premier training facility, a process that has now stretched for nearly nine months. The position of Sports Science Head at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru remains vacant after Nitin Patel quit the post.
Last-Minute Withdrawal Derails Appointment
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed to the Times of India that the board had come very close to filling the vacancy. The leading candidate was Andrew Leipus, the former physiotherapist of the Indian cricket team. The Australian was all set to take charge as the head of the medical team at the CoE but withdrew at the final moment due to personal reasons.
"We had shortlisted three or four candidates, including Leipus," Saikia stated. "Leipus was set to join but had to pull out at the last minute due to a personal reason. We will finalise a new candidate soon." This last-minute change has prolonged the board's hunt for a suitable expert to helm the sports science and medicine wing at its National Cricket Academy.
Fast Bowling Coach Troy Cooley Departs
In another significant development at the Centre of Excellence, the BCCI and fast bowling coach Troy Cooley have parted ways. The Australian, who had been with the BCCI's National Cricket Academy since 2021, has reached the end of his tenure.
Saikia confirmed the departure, noting, "Cooley had been employed at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy since 2021. His tenure is over and he has also reached the age of superannuation (60). December 31 is his last day." The board is now expected to initiate a search for a new fast bowling coach to guide India's pace bowling prospects at the high-performance centre.
Looking Ahead at the Centre of Excellence
The twin vacancies highlight a period of transition for the BCCI's flagship academy. The prolonged search for a Sports Science Head underscores the importance and specificity of the role, which is pivotal for player fitness, injury prevention, and rehabilitation protocols. Filling these positions with top-tier professionals will be crucial for maintaining the CoE's status as a world-class breeding ground for cricketing talent. The BCCI's focus will now be on expediting the recruitment process to ensure the centre's operations and athlete support systems continue without further disruption.
