India currently is one of the strongest sides in cricket across formats. The Men in Blue are in the top 3 in the rankings in every format of the game. Despite losing the ODI series against Sri Lanka the team will be back in action for the test series against Bangladesh. The No.2 test side has three test series lined up in the next months.
One of them is against Australia at their home the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The side is favourites to once again qualify for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) for the third time. However, amidst all these, the one thing that is a point of concern for the nation is their bowling. The frontline bowling attack of Jaspirt Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj has rattled the opponents’ batting order. But when it comes to the next generation they have failed to fill in the big shoes.
The main team appears consistent. However, the lack of backup seamers prepared to fly in foreign settings is a cause for concern as the marathon begins in September. Shami is yet to regain full fitness and will feature in domestic cricket before making a comeback to the national side. Bumrah is also rested and Siraj might be the one leading the attack against Bangladesh.
India lacks overseas fast-bowling depth
Is there an underlying bowling crisis within India’s Test set-up? The national selectors went all out in selecting 21 seam-bowling options with a mix of international and First-Class experience for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. It is the right time to cut down the pacers ahead of the Bangladesh and New Zealand Tests and the main BGT test down under.
After these three mainstream pacers, India does not have the options of a fourth and fifth pacer currently. The management also is confused about who can be their backup and a starter in Australia’s bouncy pitches. With the final in England next year. India has rotated three pacers Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep for six Tests in 2023-24. They are still very much in contention to make the squad for the Australia tour and beyond.
