Zaheer Khan Mentors India's Next-Gen Pacers at BCCI Red-Ball Camp

Former Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan conducted a specialized red-ball camp for emerging fast bowlers at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He worked closely with players from the high-performance monitoring group on technical skills and the mental facets of Test cricket. The camp targeted pacers from the India A and U19 setups who are on the national selection radar. This occurs as the BCCI seeks a replacement for former fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley, whose tenure ended in late 2025.

Key Points: Zaheer Khan Coaches Emerging India Pacers at BCCI Camp

  • Zaheer Khan leads red-ball camp
  • Focus on technical skills & mental toughness
  • Camp targets India A & U19 pacers
  • BCCI seeking new fast-bowling coach
2 min read

Zaheer Khan shares red-ball masterclass with India's emerging pacers at BCCI CoE

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan leads a specialized red-ball camp for emerging fast bowlers at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, sharing technical and mental insights.

"The BCCI CoE had the privilege of extending the wisdom of one of the best fast bowlers, Mr. Zaheer Khan - BCCI"

New Delhi, March 2

India's emerging fast bowlers received a major boost at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where former India pacer Zaheer Khan shared his experience and expertise during a specialised red-ball camp for the high-performance monitoring group.

The former Indian fast bowler worked closely with the young players to improve their technical skills. He also shared important insights into the mental toughness, discipline, and flexibility needed to succeed in the challenging field of Test fast bowling.

"The BCCI CoE had the privilege of extending the wisdom of one of the best fast bowlers, Mr. Zaheer Khan, to the pacers from the high-performance monitoring group. With this camp laying emphasis on red ball bowling, these players worked closely with the stalwart on technical skills and also heard first hand from him on developing other facets that are required to be successful in what is perhaps the most demanding discipline in cricket," the BCCI posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Earlier, sources aware of the matter told IANS that a fast-bowling camp led by former pace spearhead Zaheer Khan is going to conclude on Monday.

"The targeted pacers who have been with the India A and U19 set-ups and did well for their respective states have been undergoing a camp under the watchful eyes of Zaheer for three days and are going to conclude today. This is for helping the players who are already on the radar of national selection," said sources.

It is to be noted that the CoE has been without a full-time fast-bowling coach after Troy Cooley's stint finished in December 2025, as he turned 60, the age of superannuation for coaches at the high-performance facility. In terms of spin bowling, the CoE has former India left-arm spinner and selector Sunil Joshi, who joined in October last year.

The BCCI had invited applications for the fast-bowling coach role on February 9, and it is understood that appointing Cooley's replacement will take around one to two months. With regard to Harbhajan holding a camp for promising off-spinners in the country, the dates and duration of the camp are yet to be finalised, though it is understood that this may take place later this month, before IPL 2026 begins.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing this focus on red-ball skills. The IPL is great, but Test cricket is the ultimate test. Zaheer's insights on mental toughness are probably more valuable than any technical tip. Well done, BCCI!
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Vikram M
Good initiative, but why is there always a delay in appointing a permanent coach? Troy Cooley left in Dec 2025, and we're still waiting? We need consistent guidance, not just occasional camps. Hope they fill the fast-bowling coach position soon with a worthy candidate.
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Priya S
Zaheer sir is the perfect mentor! He struggled with injuries but came back stronger every time. That resilience is what our young players need to learn. Excited to see who emerges from this camp. Maybe the next Bumrah or Shami is in that group!
R
Rohit P
Focus on red-ball is crucial. We have a tough away cycle coming up. Need bowlers who can take 20 wickets in SENA countries. Zak's knowledge of bowling in England and Australia is invaluable. Hope they also have a similar camp with Bhajji for spinners soon.
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Michael C
Interesting read. The structured approach to talent development in Indian cricket is impressive. Bringing in legends like Zaheer Khan to bridge the experience gap is a smart move. The emphasis on the "mental" side of fast bowling is often overlooked elsewhere.

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