Dhoni, Kohli, Kumble and Dravid have 'fruitful' meeting in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, July 3: India's Test captain Virat Kohli along with his limited overs counterpart Mahendra Singh Dhoni today (July 3) had a lengthy meeting with chief coach Anil Kumble and 'A' team coach Rahul Dravid to chalk out a roadmap for Indian cricket for the 2016-17 season.

Indian team bonds over music

The meeting was also attended by chief national selector Sandeep Patil, GM (Cricket Operations) MV Sridhar, NCA batting coach WV Raman, spin bowling coach Narendra Hirwani, chairman of junior selection committee Venkatesh Prasad and physio Andrew Leipus.

Issues ranging from domestic cricket set up, India A tours, injury management and workload of the players and strengthening the bench strength of Indian cricket were discussed in detail to "synchronise the efforts of everyone working for the betterment" of Indian cricket.

Speaking on the meeting, BCCI president Anurag Thakur said, "Idea was to bring all the stakeholders on the same page as we draw the path for the upcoming season of Indian cricket. Based on their discussions and recommendations, BCCI will plan the future accordingly. This kind of brainstorming sessions will be a regular feature to streamline our efforts to take Indian cricket to new heights."

Board secretary Ajay Shirke said: "All the key people who are working at various levels of Indian cricket were sitting on the same table. I am looking forward to some constructive feedback and suggestions coming from them which could be executed on the long term and short term basis."

Kumble said, "This was a very fruitful exercise. Sitting here, we all have one intention and agenda: To align our actions to maximise the potential of Indian cricket. For that we all need to work as one unit. I am thankful to the BCCI for organising such an initiative."

Limited overs captain Dhoni gave his inputs about what his assessment is about the bench-strength of the team as he led a side comprising mostly A team players in Zimbabwe.

The focus will be on seamless transition from first-class to 'A' level and then to the senior teams.

According to reliable sources, there were discussions on creating a pool of fast bowlers who could be rotated keeping in mind the long and arduous season ahead. Leipus came into the picture as his role and input will be vital in injury management of the fast bowlers.

PTI