The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2020/21 was not only special for the Indian side but also for the debutant pacer, Mohammed Siraj. The Hyderabad-born was going through a rough patch as his father had passed away back in India. But he couldn’t return home due to the COVID-19 restrictions in Australia at the time.

India’s former bowling coach, Bharat Arun, recalled how it was incredibly tough to keep Siraj motivated with communication. He ended the series as the third leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps in three games at an average of under 30 and a strike rate of 62 with one five-wicket haul at the best bowling figure of 5/73 in an inning.

See Also: MS Dhoni to become India's mentor for T20 World Cup 2026? Latest update ends speculation

“It was the five-star jail. The manager was the only one to go. He got special permission, but none of us could visit him. It was really tough. We spoke a lot on the phone. We spoke on WhatsApp calls. But that was it. There’s nothing like human touch. Shoulder to cry on, at that point, would have meant a lot to Siraj, but there was no shoulder to cry on.” Arun expressed on Bombay Sport Exchange.

Bharat Arun looks back at how Mohammed Siraj dealt with his father’s death during BGT 2020/21

Recently, Siraj hit the headlines with fabulous performances during the five-match Test series in England. The right-arm pacer ended as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 wickets in nine innings at an average of 32.43 and a strike rate of 48.39 with two five-wicket and one four-wicket hauls.

“It was a tough situation, Dad’s demise. I got strength after talking to mom, and my focus was to realize dad’s dream. I got mentally strong with their support. I felt that whatever Dad’s desire was, I had to fulfil that. It got fulfilled.” Siraj had remembered his father saying.

The veteran pacer isn’t part of the 15-member squad of the Indian team for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is due to begin on September 09. However, he could be back in the national side for the home two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Many claim that one of the biggest reasons for the world-class pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, being so successful is his bowling action, which is unique and consistently outsmarts the batters. Even though it could be addressed as a small advantage, his body comes under so much stress, making him a regular candidate for various injuries. That’s why the BCCI has been cautious in managing his workload.

The former Indian bowling coach, Bharat Arun, explained that the Ahmedabad-born changed his bowling action after he failed to qualify for the Under-19 side in 2013 when the selection trials happened at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. That was when the fast bowler impressed Arun with his pace.

See Also: 'Gautam Gambhir loves to create...'- Rinku Singh shares other side of India's head coach ahead of Asia Cup 2025

“In all fairness, we also tried to change Bumrah’s action. He was remodeled, but then the action was great, and the ball was not going quickly. What’s the point in having a great action if the balls aren’t effective? He could bowl quickly, and so we discussed with the physio and the strength and conditioning coach. We said, I wouldn’t want to touch his action because it’s very unique and generates a lot of pace.” Arun expressed on the latest episode of Bombay Sports Exchange.

Bharat Arun explains how Jasprit Bumrah builds his fitness like Virat Kohli

Bumrah was advised to work on his fitness and bowling action. That was when he accepted it and gave up on the pizzas, burgers, and other fast foods as Arun compared his dedication towards fitness with the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli.

“We called him (Bumrah) and told him: ‘To take the impact of fast bowling, you need to be like a bull. That comes down to diet, exercise, and sacrifices.’ In all fairness, Bumrah instantaneously changed. He started eating healthy, and he was working out in the gym. Like Virat Kohli, he was extremely dedicated.” Bharat explained.

Across formats, for India or any other side, Bumrah is the most important bowler of the side. He recently missed the fifth Test in England at the Kennington Oval due to workload, which received so much criticism. He is now a part of the 15-member Asia Cup 2025 squad and can play a huge role in defending the title.

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has made a bold statement about pacer Prasidh Krishna, saying he doesn’t consider him a naturally talented bowler. The ex-Kolkata Knight Riders mentor pointed out that Krishna’s inconsistent lengths during the England tour could have been rectified earlier, particularly after his struggles in the series opener at Leeds. However, the Karnataka speedster showed improvement in the second Test at Edgbaston, where he managed to find better rhythm.

Arun also highlighted India’s challenge of having an excess of bowling options, which, he felt, created selection dilemmas and impacted players’ confidence. Krishna, who was dropped for the third and fourth Tests, returned to the side for the 5th Test which was played at The Oval. Krishna seized that opportunity to bowl brilliantly, claiming match figures of 8/188 and doing a crucial job in helping India to a dramatic victory of just 6 runs over England.

See Also: BCCI is expected to announce full squad for ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025

“Let's take Prasidh as an example. In the first Test against England, everybody felt that he bowled too short, and those were not the lengths to be bowled. In the next Test in the second innings, he made the adjustment. He came back to bowling good lengths, the right lengths in England, and when he realised that he was dropped from the next match. In all fairness, I can understand he was dropped because Bumrah came in the next game. When Anshul Kamboj flies from India, and when you already have somebody who has played two Test matches, who is in England with the team, and who is capable of bowling 140 clicks, there was enough time for you to work on him and get his lengths right in England. Prasidh Krishna was, I wouldn’t say, he is a very talented bowler. Somebody who can bowl 140 clicks consistently is a talent. The choice of length was wrong, which could have been worked on," Bharat Arun said.

The biggest problem is the problem of too many in our country: Bharat Arun

Bharat Arun believes that the intense competition in Indian cricket often causes fast bowlers to lose focus, prioritising results over the process. He explained that the pressure to perform can affect a bowler’s mindset, leading to desperation when outcomes don’t go their way. Arun, who had two stints as India’s bowling coach—first from 2014 to 2016 and then from 2017 to 2021, played a pivotal role in transforming India’s pace attack. Under his guidance, the fast-bowling unit reached new heights, consistently challenging top teams both at home and overseas.

"The biggest problem is the problem of too many in our country, whereas in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, there are fewer cricketers who play the sport. So when you identify someone, you are given all the patience, you are given all the backing, so that they flower and blossom into a good player. But in India, we expect them to be ready-made.Somebody else is also waiting. The minute you fail, it works on their mind. When the next match more than focusing on the process their focus is more on the outcome. When the focus is on the outcome, you tend to get desperate," he added

When Chandrakant Pandit decided to part ways with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on July 31, the reports claimed that the former bowling coach of the Indian side, Bharat Arun, would work for the new franchise. Many reported that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will get the chance, but it has been confirmed that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have earned his services.

He had a successful stint with the IPL 2024 champions, including four years for the franchise, starting from 2022. None of the parties involved, KKR, LSG, and Arun, decided to comment on the development as Cricbuzz reported the fresh news. He has signed a two-year deal with the Sajiv Goenka-owned side for a role that will require him to work with the players throughout the year.

See Also: [WATCH] Eoin Morgan analyzes MS Dhoni's superb captaincy during 2013 Champions Trophy

The induction of Arun in the side means that Lucknow is unlikely to continue with the former left-arm pacer, Zaheer Khan, the mentor of the Rishabh Pant-led side last season. It was reported in the past that Zaheer had a one-year contract with the side, and the management is reviewing the deal. Justin Langer is also expected not to stretch his time.

Lucknow Super Giants hire Bharat Arun as bowling coach before IPL 2026

The Kolkata Knight Riders have taken huge pride in their coaching staff getting promoted to the national side in some shape or form. Gautam Gambhir, Ryan Ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar got the contract for the Indian side, while Brandon McCullum, Trevor Bayliss, and physio Kamlesh Jain were among others to join the England side.   

Bharat Arun and KKR have parted ways amicably. Dwayne Bravo, the mentor of the side, is also expected to end his tenure before the new season. The former West Indies captain is also among the coaching management of the Knight Riders’ family in the Major League Cricket for the Los Angeles side. It had been reported that the principle was conveyed to Arun, who asked the franchise for getting released.

Kolkata finished in the eighth position in the points table of the IPL 2025. They played 14 games in the group stage of the competition with five victories and seven defeats at a net run rate of -0.305.  

Jaw-dropping news has arrived regarding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) decide to part ways with their head coach, Chandrakant Pandit, as the official website of the franchise has revealed in a social media post. Moreover, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to sign a new bowling coach.

The five-time champions, who had a poor time in 2025, finishing at the bottom of the points table, are set to hire the former bowling coach of India, Bharat Arun, who will work with the current captain and coach, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Stephen Fleming, respectively. The reports have claimed that Arun will join the franchise and work with MS Dhoni in the development of the bowlers.

See Also: Shitanshu Kotak comments on Gautam Gambhir's curator controversy ahead of ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

It was a very average season with the ball for the Super Kings, who couldn’t do well either in the power play, middle overs, or the death overs. Matheesha Pathairana, the young Sri Lankan pacer, didn’t have an impressive season with the ball, which saw the joint-successful team fluster in crunch situations. Even MS Dhoni’s magic in leadership couldn’t save them from the issue.

IPL 2026: Chandrakant Pandit leaves KKR as CSK to hire Bharat Arun

‘Mr. Chandrakant Pandit has decided to explore new opportunities and will not continue as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders. We are thankful for his invaluable contributions- including leading KKR to the TATA IPL Championship in 2024 and helping build a strong, resilient squad. His leadership and discipline have left a lasting impact on the team.’ KKR released a statement.

We wish you the best for your future endeavours, Chandu Sir 🤗

PS: Once a Knight, always a Knight. Kolkata will always be your home 💜 pic.twitter.com/GF0LxX5fIz

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 29, 2025

Under the head coach with the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata became the champions of the IPL 2024 in the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. But after Iyer departed from the side and Gambhir became the India head coach, the side received a huge blow as they had to make Ajinkya Rahane their new leader.

Apart from Pandit, the reports have also stated that their bowling coach, Dwayne Bravo, is also set to leave the franchise before the new season. Bravo, apart from IPL, is also the bowling consultant of the KKR franchise in the MLC for the Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might be close to making a smart move ahead of IPL 2026. According to early reports, LSG are interested in bringing in former Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Bharat Arun, who recently left the team after working with them for four years. This could be a big boost for Lucknow’s struggling fast-bowling department.

Bharat Arun Likely to Join LSG Support Staff

Bharat Arun joined KKR in 2022 and was part of their coaching team when the team won the IPL title in 2024.

Now, with Zaheer Khan already in the Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) support staff, the franchise wants to bring Arun on board to improve their fast bowling unit. LSG struggled with their pace attack during the 2025 season, especially in the final overs of matches. They leaked too many runs, and fixing this issue is a key goal before IPL 2026.

Also Read -[Watch]: Rishabh Pant Returns to Wicketkeeping Practice Ahead of Crucial 4th Test vs England

If this deal happens, it could be one of the most important support staff moves of the season. Arun’s experience with Team India and other IPL teams can help LSG build a stronger and more balanced bowling attack. His calm nature and process-based style have helped many fast bowlers improve over time.

Bharat Arun has parted ways with Kolkata Knight Riders.

LSG have shown interest in roping him in to work alongside Zaheer Khan

- Cricxtasy pic.twitter.com/FF1Gf2hE0C

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) July 21, 2025

Arun’s Coaching Journey So Far

Bharat Arun began his coaching career with Tamil Nadu’s Ranji team in 2002. Under his guidance, the team reached the final twice before he stepped down in 2006. He also served as the chief bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy and later coached India’s Under-19 team. In 2012, his Under-19 team won the World Cup.

Arun joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach for IPL 2014 and later became the bowling coach of the Indian national team in the same year. His experience and success at various levels make him a strong candidate for LSG’s new coaching setup.

Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has shed light on the importance of managing Jasprit Bumrah's workload, especially ahead of the five-match Test series against England. With speculation rising over Bumrah's availability for the entire series, Arun emphasized that striking the right balance will be key. This isn’t the first time Bumrah’s workload has sparked debate before a big tour. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has already mentioned that Bumrah is unlikely to play all five Tests, although a final decision on which matches he will feature in hasn’t been made yet.

Speaking to RevSportz, Arun explained that both overuse and underuse of a fast bowler could result in injuries. "Too much bowling and too little bowling both cause injuries. They are the perfect recipe for a bowler to get injured," Arun pointed out. He added that while the team cannot control the number of overs Bumrah bowls in a match, they can regulate his training workload based on match performance. “According to the number of overs bowled, the practice sessions can be trimmed down for him... It can be a strengthening session in the gym or some recovery work with physios,” he said.

Arun also addressed the speculation about whether Bumrah could play all five Tests. While he didn’t rule out the possibility, he stressed that it would depend on the support from the rest of the bowling attack. If Bumrah is forced to carry the main burden, he may not be able to feature in every game. Arun remarked that managing Bumrah’s workload based on the flow of the series rather than pre-deciding breaks will be the best approach.

Arshdeep Singh Backed as Third Pacer

In addition to discussing Bumrah, Arun also shared his thoughts on India’s pace combination. He strongly backed Arshdeep Singh as the third-choice seamer behind Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah. “I will definitely go with Arshdeep because he is a left-armer, and not many players even get to prepare against left-armers in the nets. If there's a skillful left-armer, he becomes all the more potent,” Arun explained.

See Also: Watch: Indian cricket team arrives in Leeds ahead of first Test against England

He further added that the choice between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur would depend on their form and performance closer to the match. “Both can bowl 130-plus. Shardul can bat too. Who is bowling and batting well at that time becomes important,” Arun concluded.