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

Vikram Rajveer Singh

VRV Singh

On the top of his most wanted list was a man with the face of a child and body of a steam engine – Vikram Rajveer Singh. After a couple of ODI matches, Chappell was clear what he wanted VRV to do – play Test cricket. He bowled fast without incision in the 5 Tests he played spread over a year. Another year later, his refusal to compromise on speed meant that his first class career was effectively over.

Sreesanth

Sreesanth

The second on this list was a man who could (can) do anything only if he wants to. When he started out, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth had everything a fast bowler needs – a stable wrist position, a terrific bouncer, and the ability to swing the ball both ways and a generous amount of speed. Throughout his career, Sreesanth was clocked in the higher 130s; in the early part of his career, he had also managed to touch 149 kmph in a tri-series in Malaysia. All of that talent was laid to waste though by his propensity to self-destruct.