New contender for India's bowling coach revealed

Newly appointed Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly expressed his desire to include Vinay Kumar in his coaching staff as the bowling coach, sources from Indian cricket circles reveal.

Following Rahul Dravid's successful tenure culminating in India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) announced Gambhir as the successor. Gambhir, known for his strategic acumen and leadership on the field, wasted no time in outlining his vision for the team's coaching setup.

According to recent reports emerging after Gambhir's appointment, he has urged the BCCI to consider Vinay Kumar for the crucial role of bowling coach.

Kumar, a seasoned campaigner who has represented India across all formats, brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for nurturing young talent.

On the other hand, BCCI is considering the names of former Indian pacers Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji.

According to sources, some BCCI officials are uncertain about Vinay's capability as the bowling coach. Additionally, it is reported that the board does not want the head coach to have complete autonomy in making these decisions.

“BCCI does not want one person (head coach) to have full autonomy and intend to keep the control within the board. That’s is why decisions will be in hand of BCCI keeping in mind the betterment of cricket,” the source said. 

Additionally, Gambhir has proposed Abhishek Nayar, his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) colleague and mentor, to join as the batting coach. Nayar, celebrated for his role in KKR's recent IPL triumph and his adeptness in honing batting skills, is seen as a valuable addition to Gambhir's coaching staff.

As Gambhir prepares to lead Indian cricket into a new era, his choices for the coaching staff indicate a strong emphasis on experience, talent development, and a strategic approach to further bolster India's cricketing prowess on the global stage.

The BCCI is expected to make an official announcement regarding the final composition of the coaching staff in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for upcoming cricketing challenges.