The Board of Control for Cricket in India is recognized as the wealthiest sports organization in cricket. The upgraded training facility in Bengaluru, known as the Centre of Excellence, spans 40 acres and includes advanced recovery amenities, one of which is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
On February 11, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was filmed using the HBOT. A viral video showed him entering a white cylindrical HBOT machine.
What happened to Rishabh Pant?
After a serious accident in 2022, Rishabh Pant has been dealing with various injuries that have kept him off the field. Recently, in January, he suffered a side strain after being hit in the ribs by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.
This incident took place at BCA B, where the medical staff, alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir, rushed to assist him. Pant left the field in pain and subsequently missed the entire season, allowing Dhruv Jurel to step in. Before this injury, Pant was just recovering from a toe fracture he had during the Anderson-Tendulkar series.
The physiotherapist reported that Pant experienced considerable pain even with minor movements, further complicating his recovery. His journey involved significant physical and mental challenges, leading to the use of HBOT.
What is HBOT? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
Under normal atmospheric conditions, air contains 21% oxygen. In a hyperbaric chamber, the air pressure is increased to 1.5 to 3 times normal pressure. This allows better oxygen absorption in the lungs compared to sea level.
During HBOT, patients breathe 100% pure oxygen, creating a state called hyperoxygenation, which helps oxygen dissolve in the blood plasma. This benefits tissues that may not be getting enough oxygen due to restricted blood flow or compromised red blood cells.
The enriched blood promotes stem cell release, aids in the formation of new blood vessels, and assists in tissue repair. It also helps fight bacteria by enhancing white blood cell production and can be toxic to certain anaerobic bacteria.
While HBOT is generally considered safe, it does carry risks such as pressure-related injuries, temporary vision changes, and rare cases of oxygen toxicity. It is not suitable for those with untreated pneumothorax or specific chemotherapy treatments.
Read also: Watch: Rishabh Pant Undergoes Oxygen Therapy To Boost IPL 2026 Comeback
Why is HBOT used?
HBOT is not a primary treatment but a supportive therapy. The chamber can be a single space or a multispace area accommodating several people using oxygen via masks or hoods.
Sessions usually last between 90 to 120 minutes, with chronic issues often requiring multiple sessions. Similar to other chamber treatments, it features a “pop” sound akin to flying in an airplane.
HBOT is typically utilized for emergencies like carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. It also aids in wound care for severe injuries and non-healing ulcers and treats serious infections like gas gangrene, manages radiation-related tissue damage, and addresses blocked blood supply issues.
Other unique devices available at the CoE
The BCCI CoE stands out as a tech-driven hub for rehabilitation technologies. The Sports and Medical Science Block includes an underwater therapy pool spa designed to minimize joint impact during rehab.
The recovery area hosts a thermal therapy suite featuring a sauna, steam bath, and cold shower for contrast therapy, which helps reduce muscle inflammation.
Both indoor and outdoor facilities use Mondo synthetic flooring, the same high-performance surface found in Olympic stadiums, for better grip and shock absorption during running drills. Additionally, it boasts a 16,000-square-foot gym equipped with advanced tools for injury management and physiotherapy.
