Source: Indian Express
My views on the matter
I initially thought that this is a poor move by the BCCI to cut ties with the MRF Pace Foundation. However, the decision does make some sense to prevent bowlers recieving too much conflicting advice. The BCCI are correct to attempt to create a uniform directive for fast bowlers as the biomechanics of such is so complex that you can get several different schools of thinking from equally qualified coaches. However, what sets Dennis Lillee apart is that he has created and run studies into fast bowlers, contrasting quicker and slower bowlers to attempt to find out what makes a quick bowler different from a medium bowler - he has also concentrated on the physical build, paying attention to fast and slow twitch muscles - the former make it easier to bowl quicker but both Akhtar and Gillespie possess slow twitch muscles and so it is not impossible to bowl 150kph or 160kph with slow twitch muscles. Theories which are proved through scientific study cannot be rebuked as incorrect and many of Lillee's theories have been proven and tried throughout his own career.
Dennis Lillee is the number one fast bowling coach in the world in terms of coaching reputation and this reputation is not gained for nothing. It is foolish of the BCCI to cut a resource that they have with such a famous and outstanding coach.
The article notes that TA Sekhar is no longer a coach of the MRF Pace Foundation due to committments with Delhi Daredevils. However, I suspect that the BCCI will look to hire him as the head of their NCA Fast Bowling wing. I am unsure whether they will be able to capture Dennis Lillee though, as he has previously shown unwillingness to be involved in an official venture for any country, especially one which is not his home country.
In their attempt to create a uniform fast bowling coaching process, I hope they create an uniform directive too, outlining the priorities, the techniques...etc. I would be thrilled also if the BCCI could partake in scientific biomechanical studies too in an attempt to 'break the mould' of fast bowling coaching and add some new techniques to the mix. If they could work with Lillee for a new scientific study, it could herald an era of long term fast bowling improvements among Indian bowlers.
...or perhaps I am too optimistic.
One must also not forget the important role that MRF Pace Foundation has in spotting talent as all talented youngsters from all over India gather to join this one foundation and so it is a great way to scout fast bowling talent in a quick and efficient way.
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