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New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken an important step to strengthen fast bowling. The Board has entrusted former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan with the responsibility of organizing a special fast bowling camp at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The main objective of this camp is to provide technical and mental training to the young fast bowlers selected from across the country, so that they can become a part of the national team in future. According to reports, the post of fast bowling coach at the Center of Excellence is vacant as the tenure of Australian coach Troy Cooley ended in December last year and a permanent appointment to the post has not been made yet.

VVS Laxman’s support

This initiative has received full support from VVS Laxman, Head of Cricket, Center of Excellence. He believes that young fast bowlers need a systematic and scientific training, so that the bowling bench-strength of the Indian team can be strengthened. In recent years, particularly in Test cricket, options for fast bowlers have been limited due to injuries and workload management. BCCI is trying to ensure that more fit and prepared fast bowlers are present in the future.

Zaheer Khan’s 610 wickets

47-year-old Zaheer Khan is considered to be one of India’s most successful fast bowlers, having taken a total of 610 wickets in 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20 Internationals. He has the experience of bowling long spells in overseas conditions, efficiency in swing bowling and maintaining fitness, which can prove to be extremely beneficial for the young players.

Coaching and Mentoring Expertise

Zaheer Khan has good experience in coaching and mentoring. He helped develop several fast bowlers during his time with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. In such a situation, under his guidance the technique and mentality of the young bowlers is likely to improve significantly.

Opportunity to help youth

Although this responsibility is currently considered to be temporary, cricket experts believe that if this initiative is successful, Zaheer Khan may also get a permanent role in the Center of Excellence. However, assuming the position full-time would be a large and time-consuming responsibility.

This initiative of BCCI is an important step towards creating the next generation of fast bowling in Indian cricket. With the young bowlers getting experienced guides, the bowling strength of Team India is expected to become even stronger in future.