Reports: Zaheer Khan on BCCI’s radar to become India’s bowling coach

After Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India head coach was confirmed, there were reports of him wanting Vinay Kumar as the bowling coach. A few reports also claimed former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji to be the favourite. However, as per new reports, BCCI is keen on bringing Zaheer Khan into the set-up.

Zaheer, who finished as the leading wicket-taker for India in the 2011 ODI World Cup, shares a good relationship with Gambhir. The southpaw previously spoke on the impact Zaheer had in the tournament, particularly in the final against Sri Lanka on April 02, and it would be interesting if the left-arm seamer takes up the role.

He is currently the Director of Cricket at Mumbai Indians and the BCCI officials are eager to bring his experience to the table, given that India will travel to Australia, England and New Zealand in the next few years and will also play the ODI World Cup in tricky conditions of South Africa.

As per reports, BCCI officials are in no mood to bring in Vinay Kumar, who represented the national team in 41 matches and picked up 49 wickets. 

“BCCI discussing the names of Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji for the position of bowling coach. BCCI is not interested in the name of Vinay Kumar,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir reacts after appointment as Head Coach of Team India

Meanwhile, all of Dravid’s coaching staff, including Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey and T Dilip as batting, bowling and fielding coaches, respectively are on their way out. As per reports, Abhishek Nayar seems the favourite to become the next batting coach of the Indian team but nothing is confirmed. WV Raman, who also applied for the India head coach position, has enormous experience and can be considered as well.

Also Read: Reports: New India head coach Gautam Gambhir prefers Abhishek Nayar as deputy

Jonty Rhodes meanwhile is the favourite to take up the role as the fielding coach. However, a report from Cricbuzz has also stated that T Dilip's contract may get renewed. The board will soon invite applications and a decision will be made within the next 10 days, as all the support staff will be part of the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka.