BCCI CoE coaching roles: VRV Singh, Balaji among top picks for Bengaluru centre
Synopsis
The BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is set for a significant coaching overhaul, with VRV Singh, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Ranji Trophy architect P. Krishnakumar among those shortlisted for fast bowling roles — a pivot to domestic expertise after talks with England's Steffan Jones reportedly stalled.
Key Takeaways
VRV Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji are reportedly shortlisted as fast bowling coaches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru .
Krishnakumar , who coached Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden Ranji Trophy title, is in line for a third fast bowling coach role.
The CoE has been without a full-time fast bowling coach since Troy Cooley 's departure late last year.
Dishant Yagnik , currently fielding coach of KKR , is shortlisted for a fielding coach role alongside Milap Mewada and Shabarish Mohan .
Sunetra Paranjpe , Nooshin Al Khadeer , and VR Vanitha are reportedly in line for women's coaching roles at the CoE .
Appointments are expected to be confirmed after the IPL concludes on 31 May .
Former India fast bowlers VRV Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji are reportedly among the frontrunners for coaching positions at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, according to sources. The appointments are expected to be formalised once the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season concludes on 31 May.
Why the Vacancies Arose
The CoE has been without a full-time fast bowling coach since Troy Cooley departed late last year upon reaching superannuation age. The BCCI had initially explored hiring a foreign replacement and reportedly held advanced discussions with England's fast bowling coach Steffan Jones, though the outcome of those talks remains unclear. The board subsequently advertised the vacancies and has now reportedly shortlisted Indian coaches to fill the roles.
Fast Bowling Coach Shortlist
VRV Singh, who previously worked under Cooley at the CoE, is tipped to return in a coaching capacity. Lakshmipathy Balaji, a seasoned campaigner in India's domestic coaching ecosystem, is also in contention. A third fast bowling coach role is reportedly earmarked for P. Krishnakumar, who guided Jammu and Kashmir to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title this year as the side's bowling coach. Krishnakumar is credited with developing pacers including Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, and Yudhvir Singh.
Batting, Fielding and Women's Coaching Roles
Former Karnataka all-rounder Yere Goud, who has been active on the domestic coaching circuit, is tipped to join the CoE as a batting coach. On the women's coaching front, Sunetra Paranjpe, Nooshin Al Khadeer, and VR Vanitha are reportedly in line for coaching roles at the centre.
For fielding coach positions, Dishant Yagnik — the former Rajasthan wicketkeeper who currently serves as fielding coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — is on the shortlist. Like Krishnakumar, Yagnik was reportedly instrumental in shaping Jammu and Kashmir's Ranji Trophy-winning campaign. Milap Mewada and Shabarish Mohan are also understood to be in contention for fielding coach roles.
Roles Still to Be Finalised
It is not yet clear whether candidates for the performance analyst, head of education, and head of sports science and medical team positions have been identified. The BCCI is expected to complete the remaining paperwork before the appointments are officially announced, with the IPL final on 31 May serving as a natural transition point.
Point of View
System-aware coaches — many forged in the Ranji Trophy grind — is increasingly competitive, and Krishnakumar's inclusion after guiding J&K to a historic title signals that domestic achievement is finally being rewarded at the national infrastructure level. The unresolved Steffan Jones talks, however, raise questions about the BCCI's decision-making timeline: a full-time fast bowling coach vacancy at the CoE for months, during a period when India's pace attack is under intense scrutiny, is a gap the board cannot afford to leave open much longer.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru?
The BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is the board's elite training and development facility for Indian cricketers. It provides specialised coaching across batting, bowling, fielding, and sports science, and has been a key part of India's cricketing infrastructure.
Why is the BCCI filling coaching vacancies at the CoE now?
The CoE has been without a full-time fast bowling coach since Troy Cooley's departure late last year following his superannuation. The BCCI advertised the vacancies and is now in the final stages of appointing coaches, with announcements expected after the IPL ends on 31 May.
Who is P. Krishnakumar and why is he significant?
P. Krishnakumar is the bowling coach who guided Jammu and Kashmir to their historic first-ever Ranji Trophy title this year. He is credited with developing pacers like Auqib Nabi, Sunil Kumar, and Yudhvir Singh, and is reportedly shortlisted for a fast bowling coach role at the CoE.
Who are the women's coaches likely to join the BCCI CoE?
Sunetra Paranjpe, Nooshin Al Khadeer, and VR Vanitha are reportedly in line for coaching roles at the Centre of Excellence, according to sources.
When are the BCCI CoE appointments expected to be confirmed?
The appointments are expected to be finalised once the IPL 2025 season concludes on 31 May, with the BCCI completing the necessary paperwork before making official announcements.
