Create pool of 30 bowlers, says advisory panel

In order to strengthen India's bowling resources, the high-profile BCCI cricket advisory committee has suggested a pool of bowlers - 15 quicks and as many spinners - be identified and monitored over a four-year cycle.

The recommendation of the panel comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman was immediately accepted by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur and president Jagmohan Dalmiya, who met the trio in the first formal meeting of the new committee in Kolkata.

"One important recommendation was to select a pool of 15 pacers and 15 spinners and we can have specialist coaches for pacers and spinners to look after them," Thakur said. "For example, in fast-bowling segment we can have a few bowlers in the Under-19, U-23 and rest could be from seniors. We can look at a four-year period to groom the players. There should be continuity and the players should be mentally and technically prepared to play at the highest level."

It is understood that the pool of 30 bowlers will be shortlisted by the national selectors and the cricket advisory committee will have no role to play in it.

In 2011 and 2012, during secretary Sanjay Jagdale's tenure, the BCCI had conducted talent hunts for fast bowlers across the country and shortlisted a few to be trained at the National Cricket Academy for short durations. This time around though, rather than looking for raw talent, the BCCI intends to concentrate on bowlers who need to be groomed to take the giant stride into the international arena.

The advisory committee also suggested other steps to help Indian cricket create reliable bench strength, such as a focus on more A tours. "One of the suggestions by the legends was to increase the number of India A tours overseas so that we can give more and more exposure to our A players and they can play competitive cricket," Thakur said.

Thakur stated that the advisory committee wished the India A tours to be held a year before the senior team's tour to a particular country, a move that is being implemented over the last two years.

"In the past few years, the performance of the Indian team was not up to the mark overseas, so our focus would be on India A tour overseas. For example, if we have to play Champions Trophy in England, then India A must tour England or nearby countries one year in advance."

The advisory committee also proposed to revive the Talent Resource Development Wing (TRDW), an initiative of Dalmiya during his first presidency tenure more than a decade ago, which had reaped rich dividends.

"In 2001, when Mr Dalmiya was the president of the BCCI he had started a talent research development (wing). We used to have TRDOs (talent resource development officers). The committee has recommended that the scheme should be revived and we should look at spotting talents from various parts of India."

The TRDW, headed by former India captain and chairman of selection panel Dilip Vengsarkar, unearthed players such as MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and RP Singh. However, during N Srinivasan's regime in the BCCI, the TRDW was converted into a formality, with match referees given the task of doubling up as talent scouts.

The advisory committee also discussed the proposed restructuring of the NCA into a High Performance Centre. As part of the revamp, the BCCI has decided to rope in new support staff, having released most of the earlier coaches, trainers and physiotherapists. Thakur confirmed that Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman will be involved in the appointment of new candidates.

"The next (advisory committee) meeting will be held once we shortlist the names of new physio, coaches and trainers for the NCA. And a joint meeting will be held to take up the nationwide programme keeping NCA in mind so it can play the most important role and become the centre of excellence," Thakur said. "Whatever cricket advisory committee recommends that can be considered by the physios, trainers and coaches and can be implemented at NCA, zonal and state levels."

According to the advisory committee, the NCA should have a pyramid-like structure, where from top to bottom similar kind of facilities, coaching and training should be made available. It also recommended that state associations be asked to start their own academies, if possible with residential facilities.