Nitin Patel, the head of Sports Science at the BCCI, is poised to depart his role, reports Cricbuzz.com.

### INDIA NEWS: Nitin Patel, Head of BCCI Sports Science, Poised for Departure

**By Vijay Tagore**

Nitin Patel, the esteemed Head of the Sports Science department at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, is reportedly preparing to step down from his role, potentially setting back operations at the newly established facility in Bengaluru. Patel’s notable contributions include managing injury rehabilitation and workload assessments for both international and domestic cricket players.

Informed sources suggest that Patel, a former physio for the Indian national team and Mumbai Indians, is presently in his notice period and is likely to leave the Bengaluru centre—formerly known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA)—by the end of this month. Consequently, the BCCI is anticipated to announce a vacancy for his replacement soon.

Under the direct supervision of VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence, Patel has played a pivotal role in managing the rehabilitation of prominent international cricketers. Since his appointment in April 2022, Patel has been instrumental in the recovery of several key players.

Throughout his tenure, Patel oversaw the rehabilitation of numerous international athletes, including stalwarts like Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Recently, he managed the return of Mohammed Shami, who made a successful comeback during the Champions Trophy following a 15-month hiatus. At present, Patel is reportedly aiding Bumrah’s recovery, who has been out of action since January.

Appointed as the first head of the BCCI’s newly formed Sports Science wing, Patel has been integral to this high-performance center—an initiative driven by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Officially opened last September, the centre represents a landmark project with Patel as a crucial contributor.

Reflecting on the centre’s accomplishments, BCCI officials widely commend both the Sports Science division and Patel for their outstanding performance. A key success was the rehabilitation of players like Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, who were meticulously prepared for the 2023 World Cup after undergoing necessary surgeries in New Zealand and England. Their efficient return was a product of strategic coordination with the Indian team, involving former head coach Rahul Dravid in the meticulous planning process.

While the specific reasons for Patel’s abrupt decision to part ways with the BCCI remain undisclosed, it is understood that he has formally tendered his resignation. Cricbuzz has reached out to both Laxman and Patel for further comments.

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