In a move aimed at expanding India’s pace-bowling depth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering the appointment of three specialist fast-bowling coaches at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The plan is designed to bring more structure to the way emerging quicks are identified, trained, and groomed for the next levels of the game.
Coaching vacancies and the search for fast-bowling specialists
The fast-bowling coach post at the CoE has been without an incumbent since Troy Cooley’s term ended late last year. With the role still open, the BCCI is now looking to fill not just one, but three positions to broaden the coaching capacity around pace development.
Among the names being discussed, former India pacers Lakshmipathy Balaji and VRV Singh are viewed as leading contenders for two of the available roles. P Krishna Kumar, who has reportedly delivered encouraging outcomes while working with the Jammu and Kashmir setup, is also in the mix. Additionally, former India quicks Vinay Kumar and Tinu Yohanan have reportedly been interviewed for the coaching opening.
How the CoE plans to split responsibilities
The CoE is understood to be adopting a more segmented approach, with each coach assigned a clear focus area. Officials are said to want dedicated oversight at different stages of a fast bowler’s development rather than relying on a single coaching stream.
- One fast-bowling coach is expected to work specifically with players graduating from the age-group pathway, starting at the Under-16 level.
- A second coach will be responsible for bowlers associated with the Indian team setup and for those training at the CoE, with the goal of helping them refine skills for higher-level competition.
- The third coach will be tasked with coordinating the transition pathway for fast bowlers, ensuring continuity as players move through different development stages.
It is also understood that the CoE already operates with a similar framework for other support roles, including strength and conditioning and physiotherapy, suggesting the pace unit is being aligned with an established model.
Why a larger pace pool is a priority now
BCCI and CoE officials are reportedly convinced that India needs a sturdier and more expansive pipeline of fast bowlers. While the national selectors introduced a fast-bowling contract scheme in 2024 for a group of emerging pacers, the initiative was discontinued the next year.
There is also a growing concern that some young quicks find it difficult to keep improving once they break into the spotlight. The India A programme is no longer viewed in the same light as it was during Rahul Dravid’s period overseeing the developmental teams and the era of the erstwhile National Cricket Academy (NCA).
During that phase, a number of bowlers reportedly remained under close supervision from Dravid and former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. Umran Malik’s dip in form and effectiveness is being cited as a case that highlights why raw fast-bowling talent may require ongoing guidance and monitoring to sustain growth.
Other CoE staff changes: fielding and sports medicine
Alongside the fast-bowling appointments, the CoE is also expected to see changes within its coaching and support staff. Dishant Yagnik, the former Rajasthan wicketkeeper, is being considered as a potential replacement or addition to take charge of fielding coaching at the Centre of Excellence.
In the medical and performance support area, Dhananjay Kaushik has been promoted to the role of head of sports medicine, taking over the position previously held by Nitin Patel.
