Indian cricket has always been blessed with some great batsmen who have been recognised all over the world and ranked among some of the finest of their eras. Gavaskar, Vishwanath, Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag and more recently Virat Kohli are a few names that instantly come to the mind.
These batsmen have led Team India to numerous victories and had made a name for themselves with their class and calibre. India has always been known to produce great batters.
However, when we talk about fast bowling only a handful of names come to our memory. Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan and more recently Mohd Shami have been quite good in their respective eras. India has never had the luxury of having 2-3 good pace bowlers ready to have a burst at the opposition especially in tough conditions.
However, times have changed and suddenly over the past few years we are witnessing some very good bowlers coming through the ranks and performing quite extraordinarily at the International stage.
ALSO READ: Special! Big-Hearted Mohd Siraj Once Again Proves He Relishes Challenges
Era of fast bowling in India
India’s fast bowling has experienced a striking improvement lately, transforming from a squad traditionally dependent on spin to one featuring a formidable pace attack.
This progression is characterized by the rise of multiple fast bowlers who have not only thrived personally but have also played a significant role in India’s achievements globally.
ALSO READ: Stats! Shubhman Gill broke these Major Records during his Epic 269 vs England
Over the last decade or so, a new style of fast bowlers has transformed the game. India has transformed into a pace-bowling powerhouse, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammad Siraj leading the way, complemented by reliable veterans like Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and others.
Currently, India’s fast bowlers have reshaped global standards, and the shift is evident in their performances worldwide. The young talent rising from the local circuit has a promising future in front of it.
Jasprit Bumrah’s ascent has been truly remarkable. Bumrah has turned Indian fast bowling into a formidable force with his exceptional action, speed, and skill in delivering yorkers. His ascent has been a pivotal moment in Indian cricket, establishing him as the primary bowler across all formats.
In recent times, India has seen the emergence of a new group of speedsters, such as Umran Malik and Mayank Yadav. Malik, a natural talent found on a concrete pitch, has reached speeds exceeding 150 kmph, whereas Yadav, dubbed the “New Delhi Express,” has displayed significant potential as well.
Akash Deep- The next big thing
Akash Deep is creating excitement as a talented young Indian fast bowler, especially following his impressive display in the second Test against England. He showcased his skills with a four-wicket haul, and his collaboration with Mohammed Siraj with the new ball was vital for India’s triumph.
ALSO READ: Opinion! Legendary Joe Root eager to end up as one of the GOATs
The way he bowled on a placid Edgbaston wicket specially with the new ball speaks volumes about his talent and ability. That’s why Coach Gautam Gambhir was compelled to tell him that ‘You don’t know how good you are’.
Replacing Jasprit Bumrah with Akash Deep proved to be a brilliant decision for India and captain Shubman Gill. The pacer started the bowling and allowed 12 runs in his initial over, but upon returning for his second, he appeared as a completely changed bowler.
He started the over with three dot balls before finding success. Akash sent Ben Duckett back for a duck with a full delivery outside off. Duckett tried to throw a punch but only succeeded in edging it thickly to Gill at third slip.
ALSO READ: Opinion! What makes Pace Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah so Lethal?
What happened next was even more astonishing — Akash bowled again on the subsequent ball, dismissing Ollie Pope for a golden duck. Delivering a full ball that angled into off, he prompted a thick leading edge from Pope’s attempted shot.
In the second innings, Akash Deep looked even more impressive with the way he controlled the ball and got it to swing. His ball to Joe Root was arguably the bowl of the series. If he continues in the same fashion on the last day, India are well and truly on way to a series-levelling win here.
Indian pace bowling has been a revelation in past few years and the rise of Akash Deep proves that he is the one to watch out for the future.
