The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lose a key figure as Nitin Patel, the head of its Sports Science department, has decided to step down. Patel has played a crucial role in managing injuries and workload for India's top cricketers. His exit could be a major setback for the recently established Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Sources suggest that Patel, who previously worked as the physio for the Indian cricket team and Mumbai Indians, is currently serving his notice period. He is expected to leave by the end of this month. The BCCI is likely to start searching for his replacement soon. Key Role in Players' Recovery Since joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in 2022, Patel has worked closely with several Indian cricketers. He played a vital role in the rehabilitation of players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. His expertise helped them recover from injuries and return to competitive cricket. Both players had undergone surgeries in New Zealand and England, respectively, before the 2023 ODI World Cup. One of his biggest achievements was overseeing Mohammed Shami’s recovery. Shami returned to action in the 2025 Champions Trophy after a 15-month injury layoff. Currently, Patel is handling Bumrah’s rehab, as the pacer aims to regain full fitness. Patel was the first person appointed to lead BCCI’s Sports Science division. His work helped strengthen India’s player fitness and injury management system. The facility was a dream project of former BCCI secretary Jay Shah and became operational last year. Read also: Sam Billings wants to be next England white-ball captain Uncertain Future for the Department BCCI insiders believe that Patel’s contribution has been remarkable. Under his leadership, the Centre of Excellence played a key role in preparing players like Bumrah and Iyer for the 2023 World Cup. Both underwent surgeries abroad and returned just in time to make an impact. His sudden departure has raised questions, as the reason for his resignation is still unknown. Patel has reportedly submitted his papers, but neither he nor VVS Laxman, the head of the Center of Excellence, have made any official statements yet. With injuries being a major concern for Indian cricket, Patel’s exit leaves a big void. The BCCI will now need to find a capable replacement to continue its high-performance training and rehabilitation programs.