CSK pioneer called to join BCCI setup [Source: AFP]The BCCI has summoned one of CSK's pioneers to join its setup after the IPL 2026 season. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Chennai Super Kings are alive in the playoff race, having won six out of eleven matches. Despite missing legendary cricketer and former captain MS Dhoni, the Super Kings have shown remarkable fighting spirit to keep their IPL playoff hopes alive amid intense competition with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, the BCCI has shortlisted one of CSK's earliest match-winners to join its Centre of Excellence after the conclusion of the ongoing IPL season. BCCI distances itself from foreign coach policy at CoEFormer Australian cricketer Troy Cooley served as the bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence from January 2022 to January 2026. The position was vacated following his departure, and the Indian board interviewed several foreign coaches before finalising English coach Steffan Jones as Cooley's successor. Also Read: BCCI Identifies Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj Replacements For India vs Afghanistan TestHowever, according to Cricbuzz, the deal didn't pan out as expected, and the BCCI decided to appoint Indian coaches at the Bengaluru-based facility. The Cricbuzz report revealed that the Indian cricket board has shortlisted ten new names, including former CSK player Lakshmipathy Balaji, who will take over the coaching duties after the IPL 2026. CSK pioneer Balaji among Indian players to join CoE after IPL 2026The BCCI has included former India and Chennai Super Kings pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji among the ten names set to be appointed as coaches at CoE. Lakshmipathy Balaji was a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad that qualified for the final of the inaugural IPL season. He is one of the earliest match-winners for the franchise, having scripted many memorable wins with razor-sharp spells. The former Indian cricketer bagged a hat-trick in the Super Kings' jersey, finishing his CSK career with 31 wickets at a healthy strike rate of 18.13. The right-arm pacer was one of MS Dhoni's trusted soldiers with the ball and represented the Yellow army with profound success. He also served as the bowling coach of the team from 2018 to 2022. Apart from Balaji, former India and Punjab Kings pacer VRV Singh is one of the high-profile names to enter the BCCI list. VRV Singh played seven matches for India, scalping eight wickets across formats. Other members finalised by BCCI for CoE coaching positionsBesides Balaji and VRV Singh, the BCCI will appoint a third bowling coach at the Centre of Excellence. The Cricbuzz report reveals that Jammu and Kashmir's Ranji Trophy title-winning coach P Krishnakumar will be given an opportunity to nurture Indian bowlers at the Bengaluru-based facility. Krishnakumar has a vast coaching experience, having mentored the likes of Auqib Nabi and Umran Malik during his stint with the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team. Meanwhile, former Karnataka player Yere Goud will be one of the new batting coaches at the CoE, with renowned former Rajasthan Royals member Dishant Yagnik taking up the fielding coach's role. Sunetra Paranjpe, who played three Tests and 28 ODIs for the Indian Women's team, is also reported to be among the ten coaches who'll begin their stint at the BCCI CoE. According to the report, all these appointments shall be made following the IPL 2026 season. Also Read: PBKS vs MI Head To Head Records- IPL 2026, Match 58
