5 domestic pacers who could boost Team India's bench strength

#1 Shardul Thakur (Mumbai)

Shardul Thakur had been drafted in the Indian squad for the 2015 Test series against South Africa

Shardul Thakur has certainly been one of the top fast bowlers in Indian domestic cricket across the past few seasons. The 24-year old has been the star bowler for current Ranji champions Mumbai and played a huge role in their triumph with 41 wickets in 11 matches.

Thakur was the joint highest wicket-taker alongside Karnataka’s Vinay Kumar in the 2014/15 Ranji Trophy as he claimed 48 wickets at an average of 20.81. The quickie was rewarded for his efforts as he earned a call-up to the national squad for the India-South Africa Test series last year.

The youngster retained his spot in the squad even during the West Indies tour. However, Thakur was dropped for the ongoing Test series against New Zealand without having received a chance to make his debut.

Things may not be all that bad for Shardul Thakur, though, as he has perhaps the best chance among all domestic performers to make it into the Indian squad.