Spin masterclass: Harbhajan trains emerging off-spinners at BCCI high-performance camp

India’s cricketing greats are increasingly stepping into mentorship roles, helping shape the country’s next generation of stars. On Thursday, former off-spin legend Harbhajan Singh conducted a specialised training camp for emerging off-spinners at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, working closely with bowlers identified under the board’s High Performance monitoring programme.

Among the young players who attended the camp were Tanush Kotian and Himanshu Singh from Mumbai, and Saransh Jain from Madhya Pradesh , all regarded as promising spin talents in the domestic circuit. During the sessions, Harbhajan shared detailed insights on off-spin bowling, focusing on technical refinement, tactical planning, and adapting to match situations.

The camp included simulated scenarios designed to help bowlers understand how to vary their approach depending on pitch conditions and game pressure. For the young spinners, the biggest takeaway was the opportunity to learn from a player who mastered the craft at the highest level of international cricket.

Harbhajan remains one of India’s most celebrated spin bowlers, with 417 Test wickets to his name , including a historic hat-trick against Australia. He was also a key member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams , making his guidance particularly valuable for young bowlers dreaming of representing the country.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in Indian cricket where former legends are directly mentoring rising players . A similar example is Yuvraj Singh , who has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of young Indian batters. Over the years, Yuvraj has trained and mentored players such as Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson , helping them refine their batting approach and mental strength.

Just as Yuvraj’s guidance has helped young batters develop confidence and clarity at the crease, Harbhajan’s mentorship aims to sharpen the skills of India’s upcoming spin bowlers. The idea is simple but powerful, passing down experience from one generation to the next .

The BCCI has increasingly embraced this model, inviting former stalwarts to conduct specialised camps and share their expertise. Earlier this month, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan led a three-day red-ball training camp for high-performance fast bowlers at the same facility.

For India’s young cricketers, these sessions are more than just training camps. They are rare classrooms where the country’s past champions help build its future stars.