India once enjoyed a formidable fast bowling lineup featuring Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. This pace battery was even considered stronger than Australia’s renowned trio of Starc, Cummins, and Hazelwood. Under Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, the mission was clear: dominate Test matches by consistently taking 20 wickets.
Injuries and Falling Speeds Create Gaps in the Pace Arsenal
Since Kohli stepped down as Test captain and Bharat Arun left as bowling coach, India’s fast bowling resources have weakened. Injuries continue to disrupt the squad. Akash Deep missed the Manchester Test with a groin problem. Nitish Reddy, an effective right-arm medium pacer, suffered a hamstring strain. Harshit Rana was surprisingly dropped just before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Abhimanyu Easwaran have yet to get playing time.
Few Ready Replacements for India’s Leading Pacers
With Shami’s injuries becoming frequent, his international career looks uncertain. Harshit Rana can bowl at speeds touching 145 kph but struggles with control. Arshdeep Singh is expected to break into the main squad soon, but options beyond him remain limited. An Indian support staff member told The Indian Express, “Not many in domestic cricket could touch even 135 kph, the minimum you need in Test cricket.”
Anshul Kamboj’s recent performances highlight this issue. Despite his domestic success, Kamboj struggled internationally. His pace dropped below 130 kph during the England series, reminiscent of Pankaj Singh’s tough times abroad.
Akash Deep showed early promise during his Test debut in England last year, bowling with pace and movement. However, when England adopted the Bazball style, his effectiveness declined sharply. Prasidh Krishna, though a strike bowler, concedes too many runs. Many young bowlers still need development to become consistent Test pacers.
Beyond these names, India’s pace bowling talent pool appears thin. Umran Malik, once an IPL sensation, has lost form. Khaleel Ahmed hasn’t featured since July 2024. Mukesh Kumar hasn’t played for India after last year’s T20Is. None seem ready for the physical and mental demands of international Test cricket like Siraj or Bumrah.
India must quickly nurture its fast bowling talent to maintain its competitive edge. Otherwise, the country risks losing the pace dominance that once set it apart.
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