New Delhi: Former India fast bowlers VRV Singh and Lakshmipathy Balaji are likely to be appointed to coaching roles at the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

The appointments are expected to be finalised after the conclusion of IPL 2026, with both former pacers set to join the revamped coaching structure at the CoE, formerly known as the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The Centre of Excellence has been without a full-time fast bowling coach since Australian coach Troy Cooley stepped down after reaching the retirement age limit late last year. The BCCI had explored hiring another overseas pace-bowling specialist and reportedly held discussions with England bowling coach Steffan Jones, but the move did not materialise.

Sources said the BCCI has now shifted focus towards Indian coaches and shortlisted several domestic names for multiple vacancies advertised earlier this year. VRV Singh, who had earlier worked under Troy Cooley at the CoE, is expected to return in a bigger role, while Balaji’s extensive coaching experience in the IPL is believed to have strengthened his candidature.

Apart from Singh and Balaji, domestic coach P. Krishnakumar is also likely to be appointed as a bowling coach at the Bengaluru facility. Former Karnataka all-rounder Yere Goud is expected to join as a batting coach, while several other appointments in fielding and women’s cricket are also under consideration.

The BCCI Centre of Excellence plays a key role in grooming young cricketers, rehabilitation programmes and preparing players for international cricket across various age groups and formats.