Zaheer Khan and L. Balaji are in contention for the post of next Indian bowling coach by BCCI
The Indian cricket team would go to any extent to be at par with the rest of the world. Hence, the Board of Control for Cricket in India goes crawling all out for coaching talent to step up the team’s performance. Riding high on their prospects for the job of the next Indian bowling coach are two ex-fast bowlers, Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji. Both the veterans bring a lot of experience that may go on to serve as a big boon to the national side.
Zaheer Khan: The Swing Master
Zaheer Khan is one of the most successful fast bowlers India has ever had. He is best known for his skill of swinging the ball both ways, he was a significant player for India in all three formats of the game. His career spanned over a decade, during which he took more than 600 wickets in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined.
Career Highlights
International Debut: Zaheer came into the international scene in 2000 and straightaway turned into a formidable bowler.
2003 World Cup: He was India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2003 ICC World Cup that helped the team reach the final.
2011 World Cup: Zaheer played an important role in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign, ending up as the tournament’s joint highest wicket-taker. He has taken 311 Test wickets and 282 ODI wickets, proving his worth in both formats of the game.
Zaheer Khan Coaching Potential
Zaheer Khan has already got some taste of coaching with different IPL teams. With his strategic bent of mind and immense knowledge about fast bowling, he could very much become a credible bowling coach of the national team.
Mentoring Young Talent: Zaheer has been involved in helping out young bowlers understand the nuances of fast bowling.
Tactical Acumen: Known for his acumen, the inputs of Zaheer will help Indian bowlers evolve good game plans.
Fitness and Recovery: From his experience in dealing with injuries gone haywire and keeping fit, Zaheer can become a very valuable asset to keep the physical well-being of the bowlers fit and fine.
Lakshmipathy Balaji: The Consistent Performer
The other big name being considered by the BCCI is Lakshmipathy Balaji, affectionately called “Bala.” Consistency and the knack of coming good on big days were the hallmarks of Balaji’s career; he played for India in all formats of the game, notably venomous in the shorter formats.
Career Highlights
International Debut: He made his debut in 2002 and went on to become an important member of the Indian team.
2004 Tour of Pakistan: Balaji’s performances in the 2004 tour of Pakistan were of vital help to India in winning their historic series there.
T20 World Cup: He was part of the Indian squad which won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.
IPL Success: Balaji has also had success in the IPL, turning up for teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Coaching Potential
Immediately after retirement, Balaji has seamlessly fitted into coaching roles and has been involved with different domestic and IPL teams. His hands-on approach to reaching out to young bowlers is what makes him a strong contender for the position of bowling coach in the national team.
Skill Development: Balaji has a knack for spotting and grooming the skills of young bowlers, making them rise into higher competitive levels.
Technical Knowledge: He will be of much help in fast bowling mechanics as this would help fine-tune the technique of their bowlers.
Calm Nature: The nature of Balaji has been calm and composed, which is apt to prosper in the intense environment of international cricket.
Decision-Making Process by BCCI
The decision of BCCI to consider Zaheer Khan for the post of bowling coach and Lakshmipathy Balaji his deputy holds a clear message: the ترکی board wants to have experienced and knowledgeable people within its coaching set-up. The idea is to have a strong support system for players wherein they get the best guidance and training.
Some Key Points to Consider
Experience: Zaheer, with his years of playing experience coupled with that of coaching, has Balaji, who also brings a similar type of experience in playing and coaching.
Player development: The focus would be on how each candidate would aid the growth and development of young fast bowlers.
Team Dynamics: How well he would be in a position to work with other support staff, including the head coach, would play a large role in the final decision.
Strategic Vision: The board will scrutinize the overall strategic vision that every candidate has with respect to their views on the bowling unit of the team—how they propose to achieve it.
Impact on the Indian Team
Be it Zaheer Khan or Lakshmipathy Balaji, the appointment as a bowling coach will bring immense experience to the Indian cricket team. The expertise and experience of both these candidates will be highly instrumental in guiding the present crop of fast bowlers to polish their skills and perform consistently at the highest level.
Skill enrichment: The new coach will have to enrich technical skills, directed mainly towards improving swing, seam, and variation of pace amongst most of the bowlers.
Strategy formulation: Devise effective bowling strategies for various formats and conditions.
Mentoring: This involves mentoring, supporting, and guiding young bowlers through the challenges of international cricket.
Conclusion
Including Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji in the list the BCCI has floated for bowling coaches does help, as both have been very experienced campaigners with adequate knowledge and a passion for the game that will go a long way in helping the Indian cricket team. Their efforts may catalyze an impetus for the impending generation of Indian fast bowlers to scale greater heights and sustain India’s supremacy in world cricket. The ultimate call will lie with whosoever best fits the bill—the one who would better meet the requirements of taking Indian cricket diva further.
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