The largest short-format cricket competition, the T20 World Cup, will take place in June and will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. With players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in excellent form, India has a wide array of batting choices, but their bowling attack – particularly their pace attack (except Jasprit Bumrah) – is giving selectors a concern.
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Jasprit Bumrah Shines, Others Struggle
India’s top pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has been dominating the current IPL 2024. With 13 wickets in just 8 matches, he presently tops the list of wicket-takers. His economical bowling rate of 6.37 runs per over and remarkable average of 15.69 are also his strongest attributes. At the T20 World Cup, India desperately needs a dependable wicket-taker who can limit runs.
But the issue goes beyond Jasprit Bumrah. IPL 2024 star Mohammed Siraj, who was formerly thought to be a serious contender to share the new ball with Bumrah, has had a lackluster season. In just 7 games, he has only taken 5 wickets, allowing runs to be scored at a high economy rate of more than 10. Similar struggles with rhythm are experienced by other pacers such as Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer for the Punjab Kings, has claimed 10 wickets in 8 games, however, his economy rate is 9.40. Avesh Khan, on the other hand, has claimed eight wickets in eight games, but his economy rate is 9.41.
Jasprit Bumrah is greatest fast bowler of this generation. pic.twitter.com/woiMKbKjNm
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) April 18, 2024
For the Delhi Capitals, right-arm pacer Mukesh Kumar has shown a little improvement. Although he has taken nine wickets in five games, his economy rate of 10.40 indicates that he can give up runs when the swing isn’t there.
The Indian selectors may have to look elsewhere if the other pacers don’t perform consistently. Notable figures such as the yorker-loving left-arm pacer T Natarajan and the impressive swing bowler Sandeep Sharma are back in the mix. Both have shown promise to the selectors in the IPL 2024 by performing well.
Taking a Chance on Youngsters?
Some promising young talent like Mohsin Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Yash Thakur, or Harshit Rana might even be taken into consideration by the selectors. Although these young players have not yet represented India on the field, they have shown promise in both the current Indian Premier League season and domestic cricket. Selecting them would be a risky decision, but it might be worthwhile if they succeed in replicating their home form abroad.
The Importance of Pace Bowling in T20s
A powerful pace attack is essential in the fast-paced arena of Twenty20 cricket. In the powerplay overs, pacers can restrict runs, capture early wickets, and deliver vital yorkers in the dying overs. A well-placed yorker can mean the difference between winning and losing the match when batsmen go crazy in the last overs.
The selectors must make a difficult choice. Do they cling to the past success of players like Arshdeep or Siraj in the hopes that they may find their form again? Do they take a chance on kids’ undeveloped talent? Or do they rehire seasoned talents like Sandeep Sharma or Natarajan?A powerful pace attack is essential in the fast-paced arena of Twenty20 cricket. Early wickets can be taken by pacers in the powerplay overs.
