India was without Jasprit Bumrah, their talisman in the 2022 T20 World Cup. The team clearly felt his absence in the tournament, especially in the semifinals. India didn’t look like picking a wicket when the English openers went berserk.
In Australian conditions, India didn’t seem to have a bowler who could tear apart the batting. India’s seamers looked pedestrian at best on a batting-friendly wicket. It raises a pertinent question beyond Bumrah, does India have any other bowling star?
We look at a few options who could be potential Bowlers in India
#1 Arshdeep Singh
He was the only ray of hope in India’s otherwise bland campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022. Arshdeep Singh was the captain’s go-to bowler in the World Cup. He bowled in the powerplay, bowled in the middle-overs, and also at the death. India didn’t have a left-arm seamer in their ranks for a long time. Arshdeep has given enough evidence that he could be the left-hand link in the bowling attack.
#2 Mohammad Siraj
He is one of India’s leading bowlers in Test cricket. Mohammad Siraj had a breakthrough series on the tour to Australia in 2020-21. He forced his way into the ODI side. Siraj did impress in the limited opportunities provided in T20Is. He has the deceptive pace to keep the batsmen on the back foot.
Siraj was brilliant in IPL 2021 wherein he became RCB’s trump card. He couldn’t follow it up the next season though thereby putting his chances to book his berth in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Siraj though could be banked on to deliver if backed strongly.
#3 Avesh Khan
He was a big part of India’s World Cup plans until a poor Asia Cup disrupted his progress. Avesh Khan was the standout Indian bowler in IPL 2021. He was good in the powerplay while being exceptional at the death. Khan broke into the Indian side this year.
He did give a good account of himself in most games but a poor Asia Cup ruined his chances. Khan is a solid all-round prospect who can hit a few lusty blows at the death. He needs to be groomed well.
#4 Prasidh Krishna
He is one of the highest wicket-takers in ODIs since the start of 2021. Prasidh Krishna is in the mould of Ishant Krishna. He bowls the hard lengths that stifle batsmen. Krishna is a fierce competitor who enjoys a challenge. He can be expensive on occasion but he needs to be persisted with as he is a rare tall fast bowler in Indian colours.
#5 Mohsin Khan
He is someone who reminded many cricket lovers of Mitchell Johnson. Mohsin Khan bowled speeds to the north of 90 miles in IPL 2022. He bowled uncomfortable lengths to trouble the batsmen across all phases. Khan uses the long handle to good effect in the slog overs. He should definitely start for the team across formats.
#6 Umran Malik
He is the fastest Indian bowler. Umran Malik is a name that stirs emotion in Indian fans. He set the IPL on fire this season. Malik clocked 97 miles delivering thunderbolts at batters. He is an X-factor who could have been more than a handful on helpful Australian pitches. Malik has all the ingredients of being a Potential Indian bowling superstar.
