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Zaheer Khan Concludes Fast Bowling Camp, Harbhajan to Mentor Off-Spinners

A fast-bowling camp led by former India spearhead Zaheer Khan for targeted pacers from India A and U19 setups is concluding at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The CoE has been without a full-time fast-bowling coach since Troy Cooley's departure in late 2025. In a parallel development, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been approached to hold a similar camp for promising off-spinners later this month. The BCCI is also in the process of filling other key vacancies, including Head of Sports Science and Medicine.

Key Points: Zaheer Khan Leads BCCI Fast Bowling Camp at CoE

  • Zaheer Khan concludes 3-day pace camp
  • Harbhajan Singh approached for off-spin camp
  • BCCI seeking Troy Cooley's replacement
  • Specialist camps at CoE taking shape
2 min read

Zaheer leads fast bowling camp at CoE, Harbhajan likely to hold one for off-spinners

Former pacer Zaheer Khan concludes a specialist camp for India's pace prospects. Harbhajan Singh likely to hold an off-spin camp later this month.

Zaheer leads fast bowling camp at CoE, Harbhajan likely to hold one for off-spinners
"This is for helping the players who are already on the radar of national selection - BCCI sources"

New Delhi, March 2

Amidst all the attention on the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, the idea of having specialist camps at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has been steadily taking shape. Sources aware of the matter have toldthat 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 is 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.

"Yes, Harbhajan has been approached by CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman for holding a camp for off-spinners. If all goes well, that may happen later in the month," said another source.

The BCCI is also looking to fill other critical vacant posts like Head of Sports Science and Medicine and various coaching roles, and the process of completing the hirings will also take one-two months.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative, but why is there always a delay in appointing permanent coaches? Troy Cooley left in Dec 2025, and we are still looking for a replacement in March 2026. BCCI needs to be more efficient with these processes.
R
Rohit P
Bhajji paaji conducting an off-spin camp! That's what I call passing on the legacy. Our spin department needs that aggressive mindset he always had. Waiting to see which youngsters get selected.
S
Sarah B
Investing in specialist camps is a very smart long-term strategy. Focusing on specific skills rather than generic training will help build a more complete player pool. Hope they do one for batting against spin too!
V
Vikram M
Good step, but what about wrist-spinners? We have Sunil Joshi for left-arm spin, Harbhajan for off-spin, but we need a specialist for leg-spin/googly bowlers too. That's a crucial T20 weapon.
K
Karthik V
Laxman, Zaheer, Harbhajan... all legends involved. This is how you build a strong system. The focus should be on identifying talent from Ranji Trophy and SMAT, not just IPL. More power to the NCA!

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