India’s long-term bowling blueprint is being recalibrated at the top.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has enlisted Zaheer Khan to mentor emerging fast bowlers at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, according to a report by The Times of India, marking a targeted push to rebuild depth in the country’s pace ranks.
Zaheer steps in as CoE pace vacancy remains open
The development comes as the Centre of Excellence continues without a designated fast-bowling coach following Troy Cooley’s exit in December after completing his tenure. The BCCI had invited applications for the role on February 9 but has yet to announce a permanent replacement.
Instead, the board has opted for an immediate intervention through a short-format, high-intensity camp model.
“Head of cricket at CoE, VVS Laxman, has taken a keen interest in this initiative. Zaheer is very keen on taking up coaching roles. He was involved with Lucknow Super Giants and believes he can help the next generation of cricketers. It’s a good sign that a fast bowler of his stature has shown interest in BCCI programmes. However, it needs to be seen if he wants to take up a full-time job at CoE as it will require him to commit a lot of time away from his family,” a BCCI source told TOI.
The initial programme is scheduled for February 28 to March 2 in Bengaluru and will feature selected quicks drawn from various state associations.
“A batch of fast bowlers has been invited from state associations for a special pace-bowling camp from February 28 to March 2 at CoE in Bengaluru under the tutelage of Zaheer,” the source added.
Pace depth under scrutiny across formats
India’s fast-bowling resources have thinned in recent seasons, particularly in the red-ball format where sustained workload and rotation demands have tested bench strength. Selection discussions over the past three years have increasingly centred on succession planning and identifying reliable long-format options beyond the frontline names.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to work in close coordination with the Indian team’s support staff, designing structured training modules that align with the national team’s technical and workload requirements. Traditionally, the BCCI has leaned towards homegrown coaches familiar with the domestic pathway and age-group system when shaping long-term development roles.
Currently, Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup includes Sitanshu Kotak as the only member with prior experience at the erstwhile National Cricket Academy, now rebranded as the Centre of Excellence.
Harbhajan Singh approached for off-spin camp
The bowling-focused overhaul is not limited to pace.
After initiating the fast-bowling programme, the BCCI has also approached Harbhajan Singh to conduct a specialist camp dedicated to off-spinners, as reported by PTI. The proposed initiative is aimed at refining red-ball skills among a targeted group of prospects identified through domestic cricket and India A performances.
The camps are expected to be slotted before the start of the Indian Premier League window, ensuring identified players can undergo focused red-ball preparation before linking up with their respective franchises.
The broader strategy reflects a renewed emphasis on specialist mentoring — drawing on former India greats to conduct short, high-impact sessions designed to accelerate match readiness among the next generation.
With Zaheer already in Bengaluru overseeing the pace camp and discussions underway with Harbhajan, the BCCI appears intent on tightening the developmental funnel — ensuring India’s future bowling stocks are strengthened well before the next Test cycle intensifies.
