5 Fast bowlers who can represent India in the future

There was a time when it was widely considered that India is a land of pure batsmen, where generations revered batting greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid to become like them.

Any talks about being a fast bowler who runs day in and day out were normally not the talks that took place across the table. However, times have changed of late. India is proud to have a pool of talented fast bowlers who have the ability to be the world’s best.

The current lot representing India at the highest level, and the one coming through the ranks at the moment have changed the scenario entirely. Pacers like Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have raised the bar like it has been never before.

Also, pacers are accounting for a lot of wickets against different oppositions, pitches, and conditions. That is really something to cheer about. A problem of plenty, if it can be put that way. India has made a strong case for itself in the fast bowling department, and the world cricket is taking note of it.

We take a look at the younger lot who are yet to graduate to the next level but can surely hold on to the baton going forward.

#5 Avesh Khan

A part of the 2016 U-19 batch along with Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan was a threat with the new ball throughout the tournament operating at high speeds troubling the batsman with pace and accuracy both. He is yet to exactly light up any stage but the glimpses of brilliance that he has shown are enough to reaffirm the faith.

He made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh just a week before his 18th birthday against Railways. His first IPL stint came for the Royal Challengers Bangalore who played him in a solitary match.

However, after Delhi Daredevils signed him this year, they showed more faith in him and gave him his chances in the second half of the tournament.

Though the side had a forgetful outing, Khan was one of the bright prospects for them impressing everyone with his nippy pace. He was also a net bowler for India’s tour to South Africa earlier this year.

#4 Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed has been in the scheme of things for a couple of years now

Also a U-19 Indian representative in the 2016 World Cup along with Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed has been in the scheme of things for a couple of years now.

Having had his stints with the Delhi Daredevils in the year 2017 and 2018, he failed to get a game but became an improved bowler in the team’s nets. IPL 2018 saw him turn out for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Plying his trade for India A at the moment in the tri-series in England, he has already scalped eight wickets in five matches on the tour so far, including a 3/48 in the finals.

He represents Rajasthan in the domestic circuit and made his first-class debut in October 2017 against Jammu & Kashmir. The selectors have invested faith in him and he is working hard to get the best out of it.

#3 Prasidh Krishna

Ent — Krishna was one of the finds in the IPL this year

Luck might have had a bigger role to play in Prasidh Krishna’s journey to IPL. Easily one of the finds for the Kolkata Knight Riders for the season this year, Krishna got into the side after India U-19’s Kamlesh Nagarkoti was ruled out due to a foot injury.

His economy rate stood at 9.28, but he improved with every game and ended the IPL with 10 wickets from seven matches. Skipper Dinesh Karthik showed immense faith in his abilities and gave him the ball even in the death overs.

He ran in with great fire and purpose during every delivery he bowled and touched 140kmph consistently. He plays for Karnataka in the domestic circuit and has already made his debut for Karnataka against Bangladesh in September 2015.

#2 Shivam Mavi

Another product of the U-19 batch who lifted the trophy this year, Shivam Mavi is capable of crossing the 140 kmph barrier more often than not.

Consistent pace and performance saw Mavi getting picked up for the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2018 auctions. Also a part of the KKR unit, he picked up 5 wickets in 9 matches.

Though the IPL did not turn out to be great for him, he is definitely the one to be watched out for future. He netted a price of 3 crores in the IPL auctions and is yet to make his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh.

Having impressed his coaching staff at KKR speaks even without playing for his senior state side speaks volumes about the talent he possesses.

#1 Kamlesh Nagarkoti

The 18-year old from Rajasthan has created tremendous waves in the Indian setup and for India’s U-19 side that lifted the World Cup this year under Prithvi Shaw. Experts rate him as surely the one for the future.

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has been particularly impressed by his show in the U-19 World Cup and even tweeted about his brilliance. He took nine wickets from six matches in the World Cup and was an integral part of India’s fast bowling plans.

He was lapped up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for 3.2 crores but was later ruled out into the first week of the IPL.

Ian Bishop, former West Indian fast bowler also had great things to say about his searing pace and smooth action.

If things go right in his career, he has the potential to represent the country for a long time to come. He is one bowler who can touch the 150 kmph mark much sooner than others if the injury doesn’t hamper his progress.

Which of these bowlers excite you the most? Sound off your opinion in the comments section below!