BCCI rejects Gautam Gambhir's suggestion for bowling coach; approaches World Cup-winning bowler

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former opener Gautam Gambhir as Rahul Dravid's successor as head coach of the men's cricket team. According to the latest news reports, the BCCI is considering former Indian bowlers for the role of bowling coach for the national team.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah officially appointed Gautam Gambhir as Team India's new head coach on Tuesday, July 9. The former Indian opener will take over from Rahul Dravid. The Men in Blue ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought in the recent T20 World Cup 2024 during Dravid's tenure as head coach.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India hasn't named the coaching staff of the Indian cricket team yet. Gambhir had recommended his former teammates Abhishek Nayar for batting and Vinay Kumar for bowling. The Indian board is expected to announce the support staff in the coming days.

BCCI Rejects Gautam Gambhir's Suggestion for Bowling Coach

The BCCI and Gambhir are reportedly considering Lakshmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar for coaching roles. However, Cricbuzz reported that the BCCI might prefer a more experienced candidate known for successfully mentoring young players. Balaji and Vinay played under Gambhir for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

A fresh report from ANI suggests that the BCCI is considering former World Cup-winning bowler Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji for the role of bowling coach. The BCCI has decided against appointing Vinay Kumar as bowling coach and is not granting the head coach unilateral authority in such decisions.

"BCCI discussing the names of Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipati Balaji for the position of bowling coach. BCCI is not interested in the name of Vinay Kumar," sources told ANI.

Zaheer Khan played a key role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup victory, finishing as the tournament's top wicket-taker. He boasts 610 international wickets in his illustrious career. Zaheer retired in 2014 and later worked with the Mumbai Indians' coaching staff. He is currently pursuing a broadcasting career.

Lakshmipathy Balaji played eight Tests and 30 ODIs and took 27 and 34 wickets, respectively. Balaji transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2016. He has significant coaching experience, having served as the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 and with the Chennai Super Kings for five seasons.

The BCCI is focusing on strengthening India's fast bowling reserves, which have been a strength for the Indian team. The new bowling coach is expected to mentor young talents like Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, and Mayank Yadav. The board hasn't made any decision yet as discussions are still ongoing.

The new coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, will commence their stint during the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka team will host three T20Is and as many ODIs from July 27 to August 7. VVS Laxman and NCA coaches are working with the Indian team in the ongoing T20I series in Zimbabwe.

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