NEW DELHI: In order to save BCCIThe players who have a contract among the best technical skills, the Center of Excellence (CoE) has implemented a program called performance block. TOI understands that the program has opened doors for international players to develop their cricket skills at any time of the year apart from being an important part of returning to play after injury.Sources told TOI that Hardik Pandya he has chosen to go for block instead of pushing to be fit for the ODI series in England. Harshit Rana is the first actor to declare his eligibility under the programme.“CoE was mainly a training ground for international cricketers. Cricketing programs were mandatory for age and zonal camps. Now, Indian players can come anytime and have very special sessions to use small things in their game. There will be a dedicated coaching team working with the players. Also, under the programme, the injured player can be cleared as eligible to play for India if he is playing to his full potential,” a BCCI source told TOI.In the past, an injured player would be given a chance at the hospital after going through a series of simulations. In general, the CoE did not have a group of good players to play these simulation games.Hardik is now the first big name to go through the new programme. The selection committee and team management have been impressed with Hardik’s ability to bowl 10 overs in ODIs. He is said to have bowled 10 overs at the CoE in the first week of June before injuring his quadriceps on June 9. The time given for his recovery was three weeks, which would be late June or first week of July. The selectors named the team on Sunday without considering Hardik. “Hardik knows in his heart that he will not go to India unless he is at the top of his game – physically and mentally. He doesn’t want to push himself and put his body at risk with the ODI World Cup 16 months away. He joined the CoE and joined the work force. He wants to work on some cricketing skills besides being more fit,” said the source.According to this block program, if a fast bowler is going through rehab, his bowling will be re-evaluated and gradually increased activity. Once the bowler is able to handle the load, it will be seen if he is good at taking the load. If the athlete does not play well in the field, then his return to play may be delayed.In Hardik’s case, the CoE will be working on drilling and batting according to the 50-over format. “Hardik hasn’t played much 50-over cricket in the last two years. He needs to find some things before he gets into that format,” said a source.