BCCI taps Harbhajan Singh & Zaheer Khan for specialised roles, invites them to targeted camps

India’s cricket governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has taken a fresh step to encourage its player development pathway by bringing in legendary former bowlers Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh for unique specialist roles ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. 

The duo has been approached to lead specialised camps at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, aimed specifically at grooming next-generation talent that could soon make the leap into India’s senior setup. The initiative, led by CoE Head of Cricket VVS Laxman, focuses on targeted sessions for bowling prospects who have shown promise in domestic cricket, India A assignments, or age-group levels. 

Zaheer, already in Bengaluru, is conducting a five-day intensive camp with emerging fast bowlers whose skill sets are seen as critical for India’s future. His experience as one of India’s premier left-arm seamers is expected to help refine pace, rhythm, and strategic bowling execution under different conditions.

Why has BCCI organised such camps?

With the international season coming up after the IPL 2026, many new players will be looking forward to making their way into the national side. However, sustaining in foreign lands is quite tough. Hence, to prepare the players for such events and upcoming matches, the board has organised for the camps. 

They have also chosen some players who have performed well in the previous series and have played for India A in any series. They have been added to the list of players who are likely to be called for the 5-day camp in Bengaluru. The board is yet to disclose the names of the players and the dates of the camp. 

Where to watch India vs England match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs England match on March 5 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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