Zaheer Khan wants the job but does India need a bowling coach?

Under the mentorship of Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli-led Indian Test side is dominating all of the key aspects of the game.

With a chance of whitewashing the Kiwis, team India has started the home leg of cricket season in style.  At the time of Kumble’s appointment as the head coach, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan was touted for role bowling coach of the national side.

However, BCCI announced that the remaining coaching staff will be appointed after some time.

Two series' have passed but the position is still vacant. Khan, who represented India in 92 Tests and 200 ODI matches taking 311 and 282 wickets respectively, has come forward expressing his desire for the job.

“I am open to any kind of role. Contributing to the game and staying connected is something I looked forward to when I decided to end my India career. However, I have been mentoring without being a formal mentor,” Zaheer said in an interview to the Calcutta edition of ‘The Telegraph’.

But does India need a bowling coach?

The National team saw positive results in Test cricket but bowling in the limited-over format remains a matter of concern. India had won the 4-match Test series (2-0), and lost the 2-T20I series (1-0) in the against West Indies recently. Zaheer’s helping hand in coaching can strengthen India's bowling united in the shorter formats.

Talking about the current generations of Indian pacers, Zaheer said: “Generally, fast bowlers have to be open to learning and they've got to understand what works in certain conditions. They must get more exposure to different conditions. That is required for their development.”

In the recent edition of the Indian Premier League, Zaheer had captained Delhi Daredevils and showed some great wicket-taking skills with the bowl, defying the age factor. The 37-year-old pacer revealed he wishes to play next season as well, though it’s too early to say if that happens. With the likes of England and Australia scheduled to play, India bowlers will face a tough batting unit.