Over the years, India has been known more for its spinners than its fast bowlers. However, in recent times, this narrative has shifted dramatically. India now boasts one of the most formidable fast bowling units in world cricket, with pace and swing being used as potent weapons to dominate opposition teams. The Indian current fast bowler brigade has evolved, and today, the country’s quicks are among the best in the world.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key fast bowlers currently representing India, who are making waves in international cricket.
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Arguably the leader of India’s fast bowling attack, Jasprit Bumrah has redefined pace bowling in limited-overs cricket. Known for his exceptional yorkers, toe-crushing deliveries, and death-over prowess, Bumrah is a match-winner in any format. His rise to the top of world cricket has been nothing short of meteoric.
Bumrah’s calm demeanor, deadly pace, and pinpoint accuracy make him an indispensable asset for India, whether it’s in a Test match, ODI, or T20. With his unique slingy action and remarkable ability to bowl under pressure, Bumrah has emerged as one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. His partnership with the Indian team’s bowling unit has been crucial in recent victories, and his leadership skills make him an invaluable part of India’s future.
2. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami, with his ability to generate swing and pace, has been one of India’s most consistent fast bowlers in Test cricket. Shami's ability to bowl the inswinger, alongside his sharp bouncers and yorkers, makes him a challenging bowler in all formats.
His performance in the 2018 Test series against Australia, where he played a pivotal role in India’s historic series win down under, is one of his standout achievements. Shami has consistently been India’s go-to bowler in the longest format, often taking crucial wickets at key moments. His stamina and aggression, coupled with a sharp cricketing brain, have earned him recognition as one of the best pacers in modern-day cricket.
3. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma has been a mainstay of India’s fast bowling attack for over a decade. Although not as express as some of his counterparts, Ishant’s ability to generate bounce and his discipline in line and length make him a key player in India’s Test cricket setup. Ishant's tall frame and ability to extract bounce from any surface have troubled batsmen around the world.
While his ODI and T20 appearances have been fewer in recent years, Ishant’s experience and leadership qualities are vital for India, especially in Test matches. His 300th Test wicket in 2021 cemented his place among the greats of Indian fast bowlers, and his contribution to India's success in overseas conditions has been invaluable.
4. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur, nicknamed "The Lord" by some fans, has become a prominent figure in India’s fast-bowling department, particularly in limited-overs formats. Thakur’s versatility, ability to break partnerships, and knack for picking up crucial wickets have earned him recognition in both ODIs and T20s.
While his pace might not be as blistering as some of his teammates, Thakur has an uncanny ability to adapt to conditions, offering seam movement and swing, especially in the shorter formats. His memorable performance in India’s victorious Test series in Australia in 2021, where he played key roles in breaking partnerships, was a testament to his all-round abilities.
Thakur has also proven to be an impactful bowler in the IPL, regularly featuring as a key contributor for the Chennai Super Kings, showcasing his skill with the ball in pressure situations.
5. Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj, the rising star of Indian fast bowling, has been making waves in both Tests and limited-overs formats. Siraj’s ability to bowl in the right areas with pace and aggression has seen him rise to prominence, especially after his strong performances in India’s historic Test series victory in Australia in 2021. His memorable spells, especially in the absence of senior bowlers, demonstrated his maturity and temperament.
Siraj’s ability to generate both bounce and swing makes him a dangerous prospect in any conditions. His performances against England in the 2021 Test series, where he was a consistent wicket-taker, further solidified his reputation as one of India’s future pace stars.
6. Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna, a tall and fiery right-arm fast bowler, has impressed in his brief international career. With his ability to bowl with pace and hit the deck hard, Krishna has shown great potential in the limited-overs formats. His performance against England in 2021, where he picked up wickets in his debut series, left many cricket fans excited about his future.
Although Krishna is still in the early stages of his career, his consistency, speed, and bounce make him one to watch in the coming years. He has been a part of India’s ODI setup and is likely to be a key player for India in future white-ball tournaments.
7. T Natarajan
T Natarajan, known for his exceptional yorkers and left-arm pace, became a household name after his breakthrough performances in the 2020-2021 Australia tour. Natarajan’s rise to international cricket was nothing short of a fairy tale, as he moved from playing tennis-ball cricket in his village to taking key wickets for India in a Test series.
His debut performance in the limited-overs formats was a revelation, as Natarajan brought a new dimension to India’s attack with his pinpoint yorkers, especially in death overs. His pace, accuracy, and ability to bowl under pressure have made him a vital part of India’s white-ball setup.
Conclusion
India’s fast bowling revolution is in full swing, with a young and dynamic crop of bowlers leading the charge. From Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers to Mohammad Siraj’s aggressive pace and Shardul Thakur’s knack for picking up wickets, the future of Indian fast bowling looks incredibly promising.
What makes this current generation of Indian fast bowlers special is their versatility, adaptability to different conditions, and their willingness to compete with the best in the world. With the right balance between experience and youth, India’s fast bowling attack is now regarded as one of the most potent in world cricket. The evolution of India’s fast bowlers from being traditionally overshadowed by spinners to becoming world-class performers in all formats is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players.
