5 Pacers India should groom for international success

Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Mavi and Arshdeep Singh. (Photo source: X(Twitter)

Indian cricket has a bright future because of the next generation of talented bowlers. In both domestic and international cricket, they are causing waves. They have already demonstrated their prowess as young bowlers that they have what it takes to be elite players. India’s recent successes have been greatly aided by their revival as a fast-bowling assault, whether they be away wins in limited-overs or Test cricket.

It is now becoming a reality for a nation that scarcely had a so-called pace attack to rule world cricket. We can claim that they are on the right route, even though there is still a long way to go. However, with increasing number of fixtures throughout the cricketing schedule, the workload on senior pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami is reaching its satiety, and thus, it is important for the Indian management to keep the bench strength ready when the need be.

Adding to the same, here’s a list of five pacers whom India should groom for the future to lead the team’s pace attack when the senior pros aren’t available:

5. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan Bowling. (Photo Source : Twitter)

Avesh Khan, a young, gifted fast bowler from India, caused a stir at the Under-19 World Cup in 2016. He made lots of variations with raw speed. At the age of 21, Avesh sought the national team’s net bowler. He made his international debut with a T20I fixture against a formidable Windies side in 2022, although it wasn’t a memorable one.

Later, however, the Indore-born speedster had a fantastic showing in 2023 season of the Indian Premier League, while representing Lucknow Supergiants (LSG). The Madhya Pradesh cricketer has already represented the Men in Blue in white-ball formats, however, the kind of bowler he is, he can really make a mark for himself in red-ball cricket, given he gets the right guidance.

Avesh’s recent first-class and other domestic records speak volumes of the way he has improved himself to turn the tables for himself. Playing for Madhya Pradesh and India A, the right-arm pacer is definitely on the radars of the selection committee.

4. Shivam Mavi

Shivam Mavi. (Photo Source: Twitter)

During the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup, one of the Indian fast bowlers, Shivam Mavi got into the spotlight of the fans and analysts. With his terrific pace with the swing, this young, impressive bowler made a sensation among new generations.

He earned the opportunity to play for KKR in the IPL and delivered an exceptional performance. After that, this young, impressive bowler faces some injury problems. In List A cricket and First-Class cricket, he already took 40+ wickets. He made his first appearance in international cricket against Sri Lanka in 2023.

In 2023 edition of the IPL, he couldn’t play a single game after being sidelined due to a prolonged injury. However, the Noida-born pacer recovered and featured in Deodhar Trophy clashes, while leading the pace attack for Central Zone. If the youngster manages to stay injury-free, he might see himself getting picked more often than not.

3. Umran Malik

Umran Malik. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Umran Malik, a promising young pacer from Jammu & Kashmir, has been one of the most sought-after bowlers in recent times. His raw pace and ability to bowl in different playing conditions is what sets him apart from the rest of the lot.

He began playing in the IPL as a net bowler in 2021. He then starts playing regularly for Sunrisers Hyderabad as a bowler. In his debut IPL season, Umran created quite a stir, leaving both viewers and pundits in awe. He won the Emerging Player of the Tournament title in the 2022 Indian Premier League.

He therefore began his international career in a T20I fixture against the Proteas. There is more that this outstanding young player can provide to cricket. If shaped well, Umran can well be a superstar in the future, especially in shorter format of the game.

2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar’s Test debut. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Mukesh Kumar along with Ishan Porel and Akash Deep have slowly become an indispensable trio in the Ranjis for Bengal. Just recently, after being released from the Indian squad from the third test, Mukesh scalped his career-best figure when he returned for Bengal and collected a total of 10 wickets in a game. Moving from Bihar to West Bengal, the youngster has already faced many hardships, and yet, has managed to make it to knock on the doors of the selectors.

Following the IPL 2023 auction, he was signed for INR 5.5 crore, which created headlines. Soon, during the 2023 tour of the West Indies, the ace pacer entered a rare list, as he made his international debut across all three formats for the travelling side. He must now adjust to his new surroundings and continue doing what he does best whenever he gets a chance — bowling.

1. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh. (Photo Source: Twitter)

A young Indian pacer with flair made an impression at the under-19 World Cup. With the new ball, Arshdeep Singh was a crucial member of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, surprising everyone with his pace and poise. In recent years, Arshdeep has shown to be one of the IPL’s most reliable bowlers. With an economy rate of 8.74 and an average of 27.14, he has claimed 57 wickets in 51 games. In the IPL and international cricket, he has demonstrated a great deal of promise.

The left-arm pacer bowled brilliantly against Pakistan during the T20 World Cup 2022, ending with figures of 3/32 in four overs. The Indian team management has faith in him because of his extraordinary death-over bowling skills. Although he has been a regular feature for T20I fixtures, the team management must look to make him play as many formats as possible for the Guna-born cricketer.