India is set to tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series followed by three ODIs starting July 27. This tour will be notable as it marks Gautam Gambhir’s debut assignment as the head coach of the Indian team.
The BCCI announced the squad for the Sri Lanka series a few days ago, but details about Gambhir’s support staff are still unclear. Reports suggest that Abhishek Nayar may be appointed as the assistant head coach, and Ryan Ten Doeschate might also join the team in Sri Lanka. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the batting and bowling coach positions.
Gambhir had recommended five candidates for the bowling coach role, including Morne Morkel and Vinay Kumar, but these suggestions were reportedly rejected by the board. With the team set to depart for Sri Lanka on July 22, the BCCI has appointed an interim bowling coach for the series, according to Hindustan Times. Former England bowling coach and current NCA coach Troy Cooley, who hails from Australia and played first-class cricket for Tasmania from 1986-95, is being considered for the role.
Cooley has a notable track record, having worked with prominent bowlers like Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard, and James Anderson during his time with England. He has also served as the bowling coach for the Indian women’s team in the past.
Currently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah is in Sri Lanka for the ICC annual meeting, and any decision regarding the appointment of a permanent bowling coach will be made after his return.