India all-rounder becomes first centrally contracted cricketer to make the BCCI's Centre of Excellence his permanent training base as he targets the 2027
ODI World Cup
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has taken an unprecedented step in a bid to prolong his international career, permanently relocating his training base to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
The move marks a significant shift in how centrally contracted Indian cricketers prepare outside international assignments, with Pandya becoming the first high-profile player to make the CoE his full-time training base rather than using it only for rehabilitation or national camps.
Pandya's decision comes after recurring injury setbacks have repeatedly interrupted his career, with the all-rounder determined to remain fit for India's white-ball future, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya leaves Mumbai to train full-time at CoE
According to PTI, Pandya has shifted from Mumbai to a rented property on the outskirts of Bengaluru, close to the Centre of Excellence, allowing him to access the BCCI's elite high-performance facilities throughout the year.
"Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the COE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the COE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career," a BCCI source told PTI.
The source added that the decision was driven by both convenience and performance.
"Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally-contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the COE, from injury management to skills training. "
"Hence, he took the decision to make the COE his permanent base whenever he is not on IPL, state or national duty. "
What is the BCCI Centre of Excellence?
The Centre of Excellence, formerly known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is the BCCI's flagship high-performance centre located in Bengaluru.
Spread across 40 acres, the state-of-the-art facility features three international-standard grounds, 86 practice pitches and world-class sports science, biomechanics, rehabilitation and medical support facilities.
The CoE serves as India's primary hub for player rehabilitation, injury prevention, workload management and elite skill development. It also hosts national camps, coaching certification programmes and specialist training for both men's and women's cricket.
In recent years, the BCCI has expanded the Centre's coaching structure by appointing specialist batting, fast bowling, fielding and performance-analysis staff to strengthen India's talent pipeline.
A unique approach to managing injuries
Unlike most centrally contracted players, who typically visit the CoE only during rehabilitation phases or before overseas tours, Pandya will now train there year-round whenever he is not representing India, Mumbai Indians or Baroda.
The report also states that Pandya will continue working with his own physiotherapist and personal strength and conditioning coach alongside the Centre's support staff.
"It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years. "
"Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the COE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket," the source added.
Hardik Pandya Eyes 2027 World Cup
Pandya's latest move underlines his commitment to extending his career after injuries have repeatedly disrupted his availability for India.
He recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan and was also ruled out of India's tour of England after suffering a quadriceps injury during rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, having already been recovering from an IPL injury.
Despite those setbacks, the all-rounder remains determined to stay at peak fitness as India builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
By making the Centre of Excellence his permanent training home, Pandya has taken a path no other centrally contracted Indian cricketer has followed, signalling a long-term commitment to maximising his fitness and extending his international career.
