Published By: Sanchari Das

Are These Domestic Fast Bowlers the Key to Strengthening India’s Test Pace Attack?

Grooming these talents for the longest format is crucial for India to reclaim its dominance in Test cricket

India’s pace attack has recently been the backbone of their test dominance. But cracks emerged during the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Jasprit Bumrah carried the entire load, taking 32 wickets, seven more than any other bowler in the series. While his performance was extraordinary, the other pacers struggled to create the same impact.

Mohammed Siraj, though consistent, failed to deliver crucial blows when needed. Prasidh Krishna was sidelined for most of the series, affecting his momentum. Despite their potential, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep couldn’t trouble the Aussies consistently. It’s clear that India needs fresh, reliable options to bolster their Test pace depth.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has already made his mark in limited-overs cricket. With 21 first-class matches under his belt, he has bagged 66 wickets at an average of 30. The left-arm pacer’s knack for delivering in crunch situations and his ability to move the ball both ways make him an exciting prospect. His consistent performances in domestic cricket show he’s ready to take on the challenges of Test cricket.

Vasuki Koushik

Vasuki Koushik is not your typical towering fast bowler, but his precision and ability to swing the ball make him a standout. The Karnataka pacer has an impressive first-class average of 17.25 and has 81 wickets in his kitty. Koushik’s ability to bowl tight lines and pick crucial wickets has been pivotal for his team. At 32, he brings experience and a calm head, qualities India could benefit from in pressure situations.

Tushar Deshpande

Tushar Deshpande has proven his mettle in domestic cricket and the IPL. The 29-year-old is known for his tireless spells and ability to maintain pace over long periods. With a wealth of experience in high-pressure games, Deshpande has the potential to be a reliable option for India. His adaptability to different roles, whether as a strike bowler or a support act, makes him a versatile addition to the squad. In first-class cricket, he has 97 wickets from 36 matches with an economy of 3.28.

Aaqib Khan

At just 21, Aaqib Khan has already shown immense promise. The Uttar Pradesh pacer has taken 44 wickets in 28 first-class innings at an average of 28. His disciplined line and length earned him a spot in the India A squad for the Duleep Trophy. Aaqib’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver under pressure marks him as a player to watch in the coming years.

Vaibhav Arora

Vaibhav Arora’s rise in the IPL 2024 with the Kolkata Knight Riders showcased his talent. The Himachal Pradesh pacer’s first-class record is equally impressive, with 95 wickets at an average of 23. Known for his variations and ability to hit the deck hard, Arora has the tools to thrive in Test cricket. At 27, he has the perfect mix of experience and potential to become a key player in India’s pace arsenal.

Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed’s left-arm angle adds variety to India’s pace attack. Having played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is, he brings valuable international experience. His ability to swing the ball with the new cherry can be a game-changer. With 41 wickets from 17 first-class matches, Khaleel has shown he has the skill set to be effective in Test cricket, especially in seamer-friendly conditions.

India’s pace depth requires fresh faces to reduce the burden on stars like Bumrah. With promising domestic performers, the future looks bright. Backing these bowlers and providing them opportunities will ensure India’s dominance in the Test arena.