New Delhi, January 05: Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s recent demand to bring in a bowling coach for the Indian team has already grabbed the BCCI’s attention and former South African pacer Alan Donald has emerged as the front-runner for the job, although no confirmation has been received so far.
On October 15, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sacked Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh as the bowling and fielding coaches respectively, after India’s lacklusture performance in both the departments.
Donlad was here in India during the Champions League T20 tournament and was involved in informal discussions with the BCCI officials.
During his meeting with the BCCI officials, he was told that the recruitment process could take a longer time but a decision in the matter is expected before South Africa’s tour to India in February.
”Yes, I had an informal chat during Champions League T20 with an Indian board official,” Donald said.
”I would be interested to talk to the BCCI regarding the bowling coach job that is currently vacant and I’m keen (on the job),” the former paceman told ‘Cricinfo.com’. Donald however, is not the only name which is doing the rounds for the job but his former captain Shaun Pollock, who is involved in with IPL outfit Mumbai Indians as a coach-cum-mentor, is another contender to help the Indian bowling.
But Pollock refused to comment on the isuue when contacted.
Donald, the first South African to take more than 300 Test wickets, has previous experience as a bowling coach.
He took up the role in England for a short period in 2007. He then spent a year with Warwickshire as head coach but decided after the last season to give it up and spend more time with his family in South Africa.
–Agencies