The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned to an Indian legend to strengthen India’s fast-bowling pipeline. Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has conducted a specialised fast-bowling camp at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru in the first week of March.
With Troy Cooley’s four-year tenure as fast-bowling coach ending in December, the Centre of Excellence has been without a specialist in that role. While the board invited applications for the position earlier this month, a permanent appointment is yet to be announced. In the meantime, Zaheer’s involvement is being seen as a proactive step.
A group of promising quicks from various state associations has been called up for the camp, scheduled from February 28 to March 2. According to a BCCI source quoted by TOI, the initiative has the backing of VVS Laxman, the Head of Cricket at the Centre of Excellence, who has taken a keen interest in ensuring young pacers receive focused guidance.
“The BCCI CoE had the privilege of extending the wisdom of one of the best fast bowlers, Mr Zaheer Khan, to the pacers from the high-performance monitoring group. With this camp laying emphasis on red ball bowling, these players worked closely with the stalwart on technical skills and also heard firsthand from him on developing other facets that are required to be successful in what is perhaps the most demanding discipline in cricket,” the BCCI said.
Zaheer Khan steps in for BCCI
India’s fast-bowling depth, particularly in red-ball cricket, has been under scrutiny over the past few years. Injuries, workload management and a lack of consistent backups have left selectors with limited options at times. The board’s job description for the vacant fast-bowling coach role clearly outlines the need for structured programmes that align closely with the national team’s requirements.
Zaheer’s credentials hardly need repeating. The left-arm seamer represented India in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is, picking up 610 international wickets across formats. Beyond numbers, he understands the demands of bowling long spells, adapting overseas and managing the physical toll that comes with fast bowling.
He has also tasted success in mentoring roles. During his stint with the Mumbai Indians, Zaheer worked closely with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, helping shape one of the most feared new-ball combinations in franchise cricket. Whether this short-term engagement evolves into a full-time role remains to be seen. Taking up a permanent position at the Centre of Excellence would demand significant commitment.
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