Cricket legend Kapil Dev has been named bowling coach of the Indian team for Pakistan, Board of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya announced in Kolkata on Monday.
Dalmiya said the former India captain, coach and fast bowler will get down to his job at the three-day preparatory camp for the upcoming tour, in Kolkata from March 7 to 9.
However, he added, Kapil will not accompany the team to Pakistan.
The decision to appoint Kapil was taken after consulting captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright, the BCCI chief said.
"It was felt that fast bowlers playing in international matches and first class players knocking on the door of selection should be given regular training and their progress should be monitored," Dalmiya said.
"Kapil has given his consent to this assignment but the details have to be worked out. He will attend the three-day camp and will draw up a schedule for future training of the boys. In view of this, no bowling coach would be sent to Pakistan."
Dalmiya said no official designation had been assigned to Kapil yet.
"The Board's idea is that at least three to four times a year there will be training programmes for pace bowlers which will be supervised by Kapil. It would be a continuous process."
Asked why Kapil is not going to Pakistan, Dalmiya replied: "Going on tour does not help. We do not want him to train only four-five bowlers. He has to look at all the available talent in the country, in the international and first class matches, so that there is regular supply of pace bowlers to the Indian team."
On whether Javagal Srinath was considered for the post, Dalmiya said the former India fast bowler is already working as match-referee.
"Srinath is always an asset to the country and he has been designated as match-referee," he said.
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