NEW DELHI: Former India stalwarts Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have been approached by the BCCI to conduct specialised camps at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, with a group of “Targeted Players” set to take part in them.

The list of targeted players has been drawn up by the BCCI, focusing on potential senior India prospects who have impressed at the age-group and first-class levels, featured for India A and possibly played a few matches for the senior national team.

Former left-arm pacer Zaheer is already in Bengaluru overseeing a five-day camp for young fast bowlers who are on the fringes of the senior side or have had brief stints with the national team. It is understood that COE Head of Cricket VVS Laxman reached out to his former teammates to organise four to five-day specialised camps aimed at getting the next generation of Indian cricketers match ready.

"Laxman approached Zaheer, Harbhajan and Anil Kumble for specialised camps. Bhajji is trying to work out the dates for four-five day 'Off-spinners' camp'. He is looking forward to help the upcoming prospects who have done well at the age-group and India A level and work with them.

"This is a welcome initiative where those who have played 100 plus Tests for India are sharing their experiences with Gen-Next," a BCCI source privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

There is also a possibility that Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker across Tests and ODIs, has been requested to conduct a camp for wrist spinners.

The specialised camps are likely to be organised before the start of the Indian Premier League, as several of these players will soon join their respective IPL franchises. The practice of inviting former greats to hold specialised camps at the erstwhile NCA began during the tenure of Jagmohan Dalmiya as BCCI chief.

Former stalwarts such as Chandu Borde, Erapalli Prasanna and Syed Kirmani have previously mentored youngsters at various Zonal Cricket Academy camps.

VRV Singh, Srinath Aravind apply for COE pace bowling coach's job

Former India pacers VRV Singh and Srinath Aravind are among the notable candidates who have applied for the pace bowling coach’s position at the Centre of Excellence.

These roles are permanent staff appointments, and both VRV and Aravind have earlier worked at various age-group camps at the COE. They have also completed multiple BCCI Level coaching courses.

Following the exit of Englishman Troy Cooley, who has reached the age of 60, the BCCI is also looking to appoint a head of pace bowling at the COE. In the spin bowling department, former India spinner Sunil Joshi currently leads the set-up.

(With PTI Inputs)