The Indian Express - India's search for a tearaway fast bowler

Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath

It took a dosa-idli munching South Indian to disprove the theory. On his day, Javagal Srinath was as fast as anybody else and sometimes even faster. On his first two tours to South Africa, players from both sides acknowledged that he had bowled faster than Donald at times. Srinath clocked 90 mph quite regularly and till date remains the only (recorded) Indian fast bowler to cross 95 mph – against South Africa in ’96-’97.

Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar

It was not until Sourav Ganguly became captain that India again started to realize the fact that overseas victories were linked to having bowlers who could exploit the conditions. His first choice was a man who could astound and exasperate with equal efficiency – Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar, like his idol Ramakant Desai, had always been nippy – around the 140 kmph mark – since his debut but his recall to the side for the 2001-02 season provided some extra fuel for him to breach the 145 kmph mark. The zenith for his career would be the Australia tour a year later where he bowled with fire and brimstone to deliver India a victory in the historic Adelaide Test match.