Zaheer Khan Conducts Fast Bowling Camp at BCCI CoE; Harbhajan Singh May Lead Off-Spinner Training
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New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) With the spotlight on the upcoming 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, the initiative for specialized training camps at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is gaining momentum. Sources familiar with the developments have informed IANS that a fast-bowling camp, spearheaded by former pace ace Zaheer Khan, is set to wrap up on Monday.
"The selected fast bowlers, who have showcased their talents with the India A and U19 teams, have been participating in a three-day camp under Zaheer's expert guidance, concluding today. This initiative aims to prepare players who are being considered for national selection," the sources added.
It’s worth noting that the CoE has not had a full-time fast-bowling coach since Troy Cooley completed his tenure in December 2025, coinciding with his reaching the age of 60, the cutoff for coaches at this elite facility. On the spin bowling front, the CoE is supported by former Indian left-arm spinner and selector Sunil Joshi, who joined the team last October.
The BCCI issued a call for applications for the fast-bowling coach position on February 9, and it is anticipated that finding a replacement for Cooley will take about one to two months. As for Harbhajan Singh, he has been approached for a training camp aimed at budding off-spinners in the country, with the schedule still to be determined. However, it is expected to occur later this month, ahead of IPL 2026.
"Yes, Harbhajan has been contacted by CoE's cricket head VVS Laxman to conduct a camp for off-spinners. If everything aligns, it should take place later this month," another source revealed.
The BCCI is also in the process of filling other crucial vacancies, such as the Head of Sports Science and Medicine, along with various coaching roles, with hiring expected to take one to two months.