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• V.V.S. Laxman, Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, shares his vision for the Centre of Excellence.
• The Centre of Excellence is not just for rehab, but also for upskilling and preparing players for various series.
• The facility includes three world-class grounds with different soils, practice wickets, and an indoor facility with nearly 10 lanes.
• The Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) building is a world-class facility for maintaining fitness standards and recovery.
• The Centre also educates coaches, with a bench strength for performance analysts, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches.
• The Centre offers players various options, allowing them to accept and embrace them.
• The Centre also monitors players, both men and women, and has an athlete management system (AMS).
• The AMS profiles all players, from their skills to fitness and musculoskeletal screening reports.
• The Centre is player-centric, ensuring players don’t feel burdened by whose advice they have to listen to.
• The State association coaches spend more time with players than the Centre, making it a collaborative effort.

Mental Conditioning and Rehab for Junior Cricketers

• Mental conditioners spend eight to 10 days in a 30-day or 25-day camp with junior cricketers to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
• The mental aspect of the game is highly valued, with players’ thoughts changing significantly between their two-year career.
• The team and the SSM team are proud of their high-pressure work, especially in dealing with injuries.
• Patience and following protocols are crucial, as recovery can sometimes be delayed.
• The rehab process can be challenging, with rehab lasting for two to three hours a day, compared to elite sportspersons who play six to eight hours.
• Players are encouraged to have conversations at various stages of their rehab to understand the importance of recovery before participating actively.
• The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is used as a mental conditioner or counselor to help players cope with pressures and maintain their confidence.
• Representation at any level, such as India U-19, is a crucial step in a player’s growth and career progression.
• Exposure to the pressures of a World Cup can enhance mental strength and progress as cricketers.