Following the departure of the old coaching staff, including bowling coach Troy Cooley, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun searching for new coaches and experts for the Center of Excellence located in Bangalore.
Sports News: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially started its search for new coaching staff for the Center of Excellence (COE) located in Bangalore. After bowling coach Troy Cooley's three-year term ended, the board has invited applications for top positions in the batting, bowling, sports science, and medicine departments. Meanwhile, the COE's current head and former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman also does not wish to extend his tenure.
Troy Cooley's Tenure Ends, Potential Successor Determined
Former Australian first-class cricketer Troy Cooley was appointed as the NCA's (now COE) bowling coach in 2021. The 59-year-old Cooley was on a tenure extension after his three-year contract expired. During his tenure, special attention was given to the technical improvement of Indian bowlers. Now, former Indian fast bowler VRV Singh's name is gaining traction as Cooley's replacement. VRV Singh has previously worked with Cooley and has coaching experience at the domestic level.
The COE has been experiencing a period of continuous resignations for some time. In March 2025, the head of the medical team, Nitin Patel, left his post. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule also resigned to join IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. In addition, in January 2025, Sitanshu Kotak took over as the batting coach of the Indian national team, having previously worked at the COE. Due to these resignations, several positions are vacant, and the BCCI requires new experts.
VVS Laxman May Also Leave Post
The tenure of the current head of the COE, VVS Laxman, is ending at the end of this year. According to media reports, Laxman does not want to extend his tenure and is keen to leave the post for personal reasons. However, it is possible that the BCCI may try to persuade him to stay on until the 2027 World Cup. Under Laxman's leadership, the COE has made significant contributions to bringing many young players to the national team.
BCCI Issues Official Advertisement
The BCCI issued an official advertisement on Thursday for three key positions, in which the eligibility criteria have been clarified:
- Batting Coach: Must be a former first-class or international cricketer. BCCI Level 2 or 3 coaching certificate and at least 5 years of experience at the state/elite youth level are required.
- Bowling Coach: Eligibility criteria are the same as for the batting coach, with expertise in both fast and spin bowling desirable.
- Sports Medicine Head: Master's degree in sports science or related subject required, along with at least 5 years of experience.
The last date for sending applications is set as August 20, 2025. The Center of Excellence is a major center for honing talent and technical improvement for Indian cricket. Emerging players are provided with expert coaching, fitness training, sports psychology, and rehabilitation services here. In the past few years, many players prepared at the COE have become part of the Indian team.
