NEW DELHI (Reuters)
Kapil Dev, who quit as India coach last year after refuting allegations of match-fixing and vowed never to return, is to coach the country's fast bowlers for the 2003 World Cup.

The former record-breaking all-rounder told a news conference that he had accepted an offer from the Indian cricket board following concern over a spate of injuries to the country's medium-pacers.

"I will train the bowlers, make them fit, teach them what I know," he said, adding that he was still discussing the details of his role with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

India have struggled recently because of injuries to left-arm pacemen Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, besides recurring fitness problems faced by all-rounder Ajit Agarkar.

An angry Dev quit as India coach during the match-fixing scandal which rocked the sport last year and declared that he was severing all ties with the game.

But the former test bowling world-record holder renewed links recently when he agreed to help Nehra work on his bowling technique before the current South African test series.

"They (fast bowlers) are getting injured by the day. If I can do anything to help my country to win the World Cup or win matches that is something I can do," he said.

Dev, known for his superb fitness as a top all-rounder in the world in the 1980's, said constant playing made current players more injury-prone.

But he ruled out a return as India coach. "Hundred percent no," he said.

The former skipper said he saw nothing wrong in India drafting New Zealander John Wright as its first foreign coach.

"It is an experiment. Nothing wrong in doing that. If it gives good results, is good for the team, for the country, go ahead."

Kapil also announced the launch of a feature film entitled "Kapil Dev -- The True Story" and with a budget of around 50 million rupees.

The film, which will also be released as an eight-part television serial, will include events connected with the cricket match-fixing scandal.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd