Former India greats Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have been approached by the BCCI for specialized camps at the Center of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru where “Targeted Players” have been asked to attend.
The list of target players is prepared by the BCCI based on potential senior prospects from India who have performed well at age group and first-class level and have also played for India A and possibly a few matches for the senior team.
Former left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan is already in Bengaluru for a five-day camp with young pacers who could be knocking on the door of the senior side or have played a few games for them. It is learned that COE head of cricket, VVS Laxman, has roped in his former teammates for specialized camps – four to five days – to help the Gen-Next of the Indian cricket game prepare.
“Laxman has approached Zaheer, Harbhajan and Anil Kumble for dedicated camps. Bhajji is trying to work out the dates for four five-day ‘Off-spinners’ camps. He is looking forward to helping and working with the upcoming aspirants who have done well in the age group and India A level.
“This is a welcome initiative where those who have played more than 100 Tests for India share their experience with Gen-Next,” a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI on condition of anonymity.
There’s a chance that Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, was asked to conduct a camp for wrist spinners.
Obviously, specialized camps will be held before the start of the Indian Premier League as many of these players will have to link up with their respective IPL teams. Inviting former greats to specialized camps in the erstwhile NCA began when Jagmohan Dalmiya took charge of the BCCI.
The likes of Chandu Borde, Erapalli Prasanna and Syed Kirmani have coached and shared their knowledge with the youth at various Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) camps in the past.
VRV Singh, Srinath Aravind apply for COE speed bowling coach post
Former Indian pacers VRV Singh and Srinath Aravind are among the prominent names who have applied for the job of speed bowling coach at the Center of Excellence.
These are permanent staff positions and VRV and Aravind have both worked in different age group camps at the COE. Both have also completed various BCCI Level courses.
With the departure of England’s Troy Cooley, who reached the age of 60, the BCCI is also looking for a speed bowling chief in the COE. Former Indian bowler Sunil Joshi is currently at the helm of the spin bowling department.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
02 March 2026 15:34 IST
