The recent World Test Championship (WTC) final taught us that the Indian Test team is in need of a slight transformation. One of the key factors behind India's ability to perform well in Test matches on foreign soil has been their exceptional bowling lineup, which they have maintained over the course of the last few years.
Players like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, among others, have played pivotal roles in several memorable Test victories for India. However, due to their inconsistent bowling performance in the WTC final, it became apparent that the pace attack required fresh faces and potential match-winners to step up and contribute.
Now, let's shift our focus and explore three players who truly deserve a series of opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities in the Test team.
3. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat, an experienced Indian fast bowler known for his left-arm deliveries, has had a rather limited opportunity to showcase his skills in Test matches. Throughout his career, he has participated in only two Test matches and managed to take a total of three wickets. It's important to note that the span of time between these two appearances was quite extensive, lasting nearly 12 years from 2010 to 2022. This significant gap between Tests highlights the immense effort and dedication that Unadkat has put into honing his abilities in domestic cricket, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
Last year, his determination paid off when he received a call-up to join the Test setup once again. However, the left-arm pacemaker hasn't had many consistent opportunities since then. Fortunately, the upcoming West Indies series next month might just be the starting point for him to finally get the chance he truly deserves. This 31-year-old player has been eagerly waiting for a consistent run of games, and this series could be the breakthrough he's been patiently yearning for.
2. Mukesh Kumar
There's one player whose chances of making his debut for the Indian cricket team next month against the West Indies are increasingly promising, and that player is none other than Mukesh Kumar. Hailing from Bengal, this fast bowler has shown tremendous skill in taking wickets during the Ranji Trophy. Not only that, but he has also proven his mettle in critical situations during the Duleep Trophy and the 'A' tours. With his impressive track record, Mukesh Kumar seems to be on the verge of realizing his dream of representing India at the international level.
Kumar was lucky enough to be selected as a standby player for the 2023 WTC final. However, there's even better news for him! In the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies next month, there's a good chance he'll be given the opportunity to open the bowling for his country. The team management seems keen on gradually transitioning their squad, and it looks like Kumar, who is 29 years old, will make his long-awaited Test debut. If all goes well, he could be stepping in for Umesh Yadav in the playing eleven, marking the beginning of this exciting new phase for him.
1. Arshdeep Singh
There's this amazing Indian bowler named Arshdeep Singh who has the potential to become a true superstar in all forms of cricket. His left-arm pace and incredible talent to make the ball swing in different directions during the T20 World Cup last year had everyone wondering if he could maintain the same level of control and skill in longer matches, like the red-ball cricket games. Many were truly amazed by his abilities and eagerly anticipated his performance.
But you know what's really impressive? Arshdeep has managed to take a whopping 29 wickets in just 8 first-class games! And guess what? He's not stopping there. As we speak, he's out there playing County cricket for Kent. It seems like the team management has big plans for him. They're probably nurturing him for the future and giving him this amazing opportunity to gain tons of experience in County cricket. They must believe he's got what it takes to become a star player!
Conclusion -
The emergence of three talented Indian fast bowlers presents a promising outlook for the Test squad. Their consistent performances and potential make them deserving candidates for an extended period in the team. With their skills and dedication, they have the capability to contribute significantly to India's success in the longer format of the game. Their inclusion would not only strengthen the bowling attack but also provide stability and depth to the team's overall composition. Considering their talent and potential, these fast bowlers are indeed worthy of a prolonged stint in the Test squad.
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