BCCI's Centre of Excellence Set for Major Revamp

Bengaluru, Aug 7 (PTI) — With notable figures, including esteemed bowling coach Troy Cooley, preparing to step down, the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru is set for a substantial revamp, as applications are now open for key roles in the bowling, batting, and sports science and medicine departments. Cooley, a revered former Australian first-class player and Ashes-winning bowling coach with England, has wrapped up his three-year stint with the BCCI, having been in talks for an extension. Having taken on the role of NCA's bowling coach in late 2021, the 59-year-old brings his tenure to a close. Potential successors include former India seamer VRV Singh, who has previously worked alongside Cooley. The Centre of Excellence, previously known as the National Cricket Academy, had its formal inauguration in February of this year. In the aftermath of several staff departures, positions remain unfilled, notably following the resignation of medical head Nitin Patel in March after nearly three years in his role. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also departed, joining the Rajasthan Royals as part of their support staff. Another coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has transitioned permanently to the national team. Reports by PTI indicate that the tenure of former India cricketer VVS Laxman as the head of COE is poised to conclude by year’s end, with Laxman unlikely to pursue an extension. Nevertheless, he could be encouraged to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup. In its advertisement for three pivotal roles on Thursday, the BCCI stipulated that candidates for the positions of resident batting and bowling coach at the COE need to be former first-class or international players with a BCCI Level-2 or Level-3 coaching certification. “These roles are vital for advancing India's cricket framework across coaching, education, and sports science domains,” the board emphasized. Applicants vying for the batting coach role must have at least five years of coaching experience at the state or elite youth level, while candidates for the bowling coach position should possess similar experience with an elite team. Competency with relevant software is essential for both these roles. For the head of sports medicine position, a master's degree (preferably a doctorate) in sports science or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years' experience in a leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary performance teams. Applications must be submitted by August 20.

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