In a significant move to strengthen India's pace-bowling resources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating hiring three fast-bowling coaches at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Sources indicate that former India pacers Lakshmipathy Balaji and VRV Singh are frontrunners for two of the positions, while P Krishna Kumar, who has produced encouraging results with the Jammu and Kashmir team, is also in contention.

The position of fast-bowling coach at the CoE has remained vacant since Troy Cooley completed his tenure late last year. This appointment process marks a new era in India's approach to developing fast bowlers.

Three-Coach Structure Planned

According to sources, the CoE plans to implement a three-pronged approach with specialized roles for each coach:

• Age-Group Specialist: One fast-bowling coach will specifically work with bowlers coming through the age-group system, starting from the Under-16 level.
• National Team Focus: Another coach will focus on bowlers in the scheme of the Indian team, as well as those training at the CoE to sharpen their skills.
• Transition Coordinator: The third coach will assist in coordinating the transition pathway for fast bowlers from youth levels to senior cricket.

This structure mirrors the existing setup for strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists at the CoE.

Addressing Development Gaps

Sources revealed that the BCCI and CoE have realized the need for a more robust approach towards developing a larger pool of fast bowlers. "The idea is to have a sustained development program that doesn't let promising bowlers fall through the cracks," a source was quoted as saying.

The national selectors had introduced a fast-bowling contract scheme in 2024 for a group of emerging pacers, but the initiative was discontinued the following year. Additionally, several young fast bowlers have struggled to sustain progress after breaking onto the scene.

Concerns Over Fast Bowler Development

The India A programme is no longer considered as robust as it was during Rahul Dravid's tenure overseeing developmental teams and the erstwhile National Cricket Academy (NCA). During that period, a group of bowlers remained under the close supervision of Dravid and former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

Umran Malik's decline is being viewed as a prime example of why raw fast bowlers require sustained guidance and monitoring. The talented pacer, who was once clocking speeds of over 150 km/h, has struggled to maintain consistency and form.

Other Appointments

Apart from the fast-bowling appointments, it is learnt that former Rajasthan wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik could also take over as a fielding coach at the CoE. Meanwhile, Dhananjay Kaushik has been promoted to head of sports medicine, replacing Nitin Patel.

Former India pacers Vinay Kumar and Tinu Yohanan were also interviewed for the fast-bowling coach roles, highlighting the BCCI's commitment to bringing experienced former players into the development ecosystem.