Five Fast Bowlers India Should Opt For Champions Trophy 2017
Mar 11, 2017 at 5:12 PM
Every game from now onwards is a practice for Champions Trophy. Team India, under the leadership of Virat Kohli, would be hoping to continue their good run in this major tournament.
Good performances from batsmen are a good sign but this would not be enough for Kohli’s army to retain the Champions Trophy title. Men in Blue need a balanced set of fast bowlers who could tumble an opposition on the hard and bouncy pitches of England.
Today, let us showcase you 5 fast bowlers who should be selected for the Mini World Cup.
Here they are:
Umesh Yadav
An important cog in India’s pace battery Umesh Yadav is probably the only bowler who can clock 150 KMPH at times. His wicket taking ability and consistent outswingers with the new bowl can help team India in the English conditions. He had a decent set of spells against England in the Test series which he could continue to make an impact in the tournament.
Yadav’s short balls with the new ball is a matter of concern as he sometimes loses his line & length, keeping in mind the extra pace. If he can be a bit more economical, then he could be an asset for his team. His aggressive bowling is a must for Men in Blue to rule the conditions.
Mohammad Shami
None can doubt his ability to bowl consistent line & length deliveries. Mohammad Shami would be the first name on selector’s mind in terms of fast bowlers. His Yorkers, in-swingers, and bouncers cannot be replaced with any other Indian bowler.
Shami can prove to be a deadly asset to his team but his fitness is always a point to look after. If he would be fit for the tournament, Kohli and co. should not worry about their lack of pace batteries. The UP guy hasn’t played an ODI since 2015 World Cup where he was India’s best bowler. His recovery is important for Team India as he has the potential to dominate the English conditions.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name is enough to describe his potential to play regularly for Team India. He is undoubtedly one of the most underrated bowlers, may be because of his lack of pace. With Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami in the side, Kumar did not appear in the final eleven in most of the encounters, but he cannot be ignored in the upcoming major tournament.
Kumar has established himself as a perfect death bowler in the past which could be helpful for India in the near future. He has improved speed which is a plus point for him and the side. If he would get a chance in the final eleven, then he could be a vital player in the swinging conditions of England.
Jasprit Bumrah
Mumbai Indian’s fans were on cloud nine when this bowler was called to serve the nation. His unique action, tremendous pace and perfect Yorker are enough to remember his name for a long time. The recent heroics of Jasprit Bumrah against England were not less than a magic where he made England cry for every run.
Bumrah, the man on the moon right now, would most probably make it to the squad. He has established himself as a better bowler each day since his debut against Australia in 2016. His ticket to England must be ready with the selectors by keeping in mind his sublime form with the bowl.
Ashish Nehra
Now, this is interesting! Ashish Nehra, commonly known as Nehra Ji now, has last played an ODI in 2011 against Pakistan in World Cup where he was the star with his 2 wickets for 33 in 10 overs. However, he was unable to play the final as he fractured his right middle finger. Since then, he couldn’t find a place in the ODI squad.
Today, what makes us put his name on the list is his effectiveness and experience. Nehra was at his best against England in the recent T20 series which nobody can ignore.
Selectors would definitely give a thought to his name by considering his recent heroics. He would be 38 by the time Champions Trophy in England is held but age is just a number for this veteran.
Virat Kohli and selectors would definitely consider his fitness before selecting him for the big trophy. Ashish Nehra could make his every experience count it he makes it to the squad.