5 reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should be considered for India's 2018 away tours

Current fast bowlers' records are poor overseas

The averages in overseas conditions will worry any Indian fan

There is an upbeat mood in the Indian camp about their fast bowling resources. India's fast bowlers have done a great job in the past few years in home conditions. However, a close look at their away performances will leave us in a state of shock. The above table shows the dismal bowling average of India's current fast bowlers in foreign conditions.

Though the quickies produced occasional good spells, India lost too many key moments in matches. For instance, the Indian fast bowlers couldn't stop Mitchell Johnson from scoring 88 on a seamer-friendly Brisbane wicket in 2014-15. South Africa played a staggering 136 overs on day 5 to draw a Test match in the 2013-14 series.

Bumrah has been in great form for the past year and his ability to bowl in-swingers, quick yorkers and deceptive slower-balls will definitely be useful against top batsmen.

Moreover, India can use him as a surprise element in Test matches. Longer format specialists like Alastair Cook, Dean Elgar, and Temba Bavuma would never have faced his uncanny bowling before. It is not going to be easy playing against the Indian pacer for the first time in swinging conditions. India can exploit his unique skills to their strategic advantage.

If the current Indian fast bowlers' indifferent away form continues, what contingency plan do the Indian selectors have? What if one or two fast bowlers get injured? Who will the selectors choose as the fifth fast bowling option? Bumrah is the solution.