Cricket

India's transformation from a spin-reliant nation to a pace-bowling powerhouse is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to cricketing excellence. During his illustrious Test career, Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary "Little Master," opened the batting in all but nine of his 214 innings. However, lesser known is the fact that Gavaskar also took the new ball in five innings, not because he possessed blistering pace, but rather to provide a brief respite before introducing India's formidable spinners.Fast forward to the present day, and India boasts a glittering array of pace-bowling riches, spearheaded by the "Kohinoor of fast bowling," Jasprit Bumrah. The rise of India's pace stocks began long before Bumrah's international debut in 2016. Mohammad Nissar and Amar Singh, two early pace pioneers, played pivotal roles in India's inaugural Test victory against England at Lord's in 1932. However, the dominance of spin bowling in India, coupled with the emergence of a succession of high-class spinners, overshadowed the importance of fast bowling.It wasn't until Kapil Dev's sensational arrival in the late 1970s that a growing tribe of young aspirants began to harbor ambitions of running in hard and attacking the bowling crease. Kapil's understanding that he needed to recalibrate his bowling and sacrifice some pace for longevity proved crucial. His arrival coincided with the decline of the spin foursome, bringing fast bowling back into focus.Kapil's success inspired a generation of young bowlers, including Javagal Srinath, who became the first true fast bowler in modern-day Indian cricket. Srinath's tall, lithe frame and whippy action enabled him to hurry and harry batters, especially with his ability to bring the ball into the right-handers and generate considerable bounce.Despite the emergence of Srinath and a few other promising pacers, India's fast-bowling stocks remained fragmented. There were only a handful of bowlers who could consistently top 140 kmph, and while there was no shortage of skill, raw pace was a different matter altogether.The arrival of Mohammed Shami in 2013 and Bumrah two and a half years later marked a turning point. Shami's sensational burst of reverse swing on his debut against West Indies ignited the latest revolution, while Bumrah's unconventional speed and accuracy convinced Virat Kohli and team director Ravi Shastri that he would be a huge success in the five-day format.The BCCI's mandate for a certain amount of grass on pitches for domestic cricket, along with the tireless efforts of Bharat Arun, the national team's long-serving bowling coach, bore fruit in the assemblage of an attack for the ages. Today, teams that once didn't think twice about laying out green carpets or bouncy decks when India came calling are caught in a dilemma. India's batters are skilled enough to come through demanding tests, but India's bowlers also possess sufficient quality and are numerically adequate to pay back in kind.The embarrassment of riches has spilled over to white-ball cricket as well. At the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bumrah and Siraj are being backed up by Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm swing exponent with a mean yorker and clever changes of pace, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has a penchant for testing out the bounce in the surface.India's graduation from the land of spin to a nation with outstanding fast-bowling talent has been a remarkable journey. Quality has been backed up by depth, not just quantity, and even when Bumrah was out for a year with a stress fracture of the back, India didn't suffer hugely. Of course, they missed their spearhead, but they found ways to fill the giant void. In fact, such was their depth that they left Shami out of their World Cup XI until Pandya's ankle injury forced them to rejig their combination. Shami responded by picking up five-fors for fun.For all of Shami's virtuosity and Siraj's fire, it's Bumrah who is the unquestioned leader. His hyperextension of his right elbow gives him an advantage that he has made the most of. As Balaji said recently, Bumrah is a great example, like Wasim Akram, of using sport to bowl fast, not athleticism. "Most great fast bowlers build up momentum in their run-up, but Wasim bhai and Bumrah rely more on their upper bodies and do everything with their bowling arm, their wrist. That's why they are able to succeed on even docile tracks; they take the pitch out of the equation."There is a reason why India is No. 1 in the world in both limited-overs versions and No. 2 in Test cricket. It's not hard to see what that is.

Former Indian cricketer Laxmipathy Balaji has drawn comparisons between current Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and the legendary Wasim Akram, hailing Bumrah as Asia's next best pacer after Akram.Balaji highlighted the striking similarities between the two bowlers, emphasizing their exceptional accuracy, mastery of yorkers, deceptive pace, and ability to change angles. "Wasim bhai, the ultimate. They both have identical traits, they have changed the dynamics of fast bowling," Balaji remarked.He attributed their success to their strong upper bodies, minimal follow-through, and dominant bowling arms. "They do everything with the bowling arm alone -- the accuracy, the yorker, the pace and changes of pace, the changes in angle -- which is why they are able to take the pitch and the conditions out of the equation," Balaji explained.Balaji believes Bumrah is poised to achieve greatness, particularly if he can lead India to victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup. "Bumrah is the next best in our continent only after him. Akram sprang into consciousness with some unplayable balls and three wickets in the 1992 World Cup final. It was after that, until 2003, that he chased and courted greatness. I feel this is the right time for Bumrah to chase greatness over the next decade," he said.Balaji also lauded Bumrah's remarkable comeback from back surgery, noting that he has returned as a more formidable bowler. "I mean, guys lose pace, they lose a bit of confidence when they return from any surgery. But this man, he has become even better than before, which is saying quite a bit," Balaji observed.He pointed out Bumrah's addition of a late away-swinger to his repertoire, making him even more dangerous. "Earlier, his stock delivery was the one that came back in. But clearly, during the rehab process, he didn’t allow the grass to grow under his feet. He thought about his bowling, he thought about what he needed to do to become even more lethal," Balaji said.In Balaji's view, Bumrah is currently the most complete fast bowler in the game, excelling in all formats. "He is just the most complete fast bowler right now. Look at him -- Test cricket, white-ball cricket, doesn’t matter. New ball, he will get the job done. Old ball, he can reverse it phenomenally. Middle-overs in limited-overs games, his variations and his repertoire make him a wicket-taker, not someone who just contains the flow of runs," Balaji concluded.Balaji's insights underscore the high expectations placed on Bumrah as a pivotal player in Indian cricket, with his exceptional skills and versatility making him a formidable force in the world of fast bowling.

Haris Rauf Joins Elite Club with 100 T20I WicketsIn a moment of personal triumph amidst Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, pacer Haris Rauf has etched his name into the history books by becoming only the second Pakistani player to reach the 100-wicket milestone in T20I cricket.Rauf's blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for the Canadian batsmen during Pakistan's Group A match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday. He finished the first innings with figures of 2/26 in his four-over spell, with Shreyas Movva and Ravinderpal Singh becoming his 100th and 101st victims in the shortest format, respectively.This achievement makes Rauf the third-fastest player to reach the 100-wicket landmark in T20I cricket, behind only Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka captain Wanindu Hasaranga. Rashid achieved the feat in an astonishing 53 matches, while Hasaranga reached the 100-wicket mark in 63 games.Rauf's rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since making his T20I debut in 2020, he has consistently impressed with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. His performances have played a crucial role in Pakistan's recent successes, including their victory in the 2022 Asia Cup.Rauf's achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. It is also a source of pride for Pakistan cricket, which has produced some of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game.As Pakistan continues its T20 World Cup campaign, Rauf will be looking to add to his wicket tally and help his team secure a place in the knockout stages. With his pace, skill, and determination, he is sure to play a key role in Pakistan's quest for glory.

Jasprit Bumrah's remarkable resurgence has silenced critics who doubted his ability to return to form after a career-threatening injury. The Indian pace spearhead has reestablished himself as one of the world's leading fast bowlers, showcasing his resilience and determination.In 2022, Bumrah underwent surgery for a lower back stress fracture, sidelining him for over ten months. Skepticism arose about his ability to handle the workload of playing in all three formats. However, Bumrah has proven his doubters wrong with his exceptional performances in the past year."A year ago, people were saying I might not play again and my career is over," Bumrah said. "Now the question has changed."Bumrah's return to form has been characterized by his ability to handle pressure and focus on the controllables. "I'm not looking at whether I'm bowling at my best," he explained. "I try to solve the problem that's in front of me."Avoiding external pressure has been key to his success. "If I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion takes over, then things don't really work for me," the 30-year-old said.Despite the challenging conditions for bowlers in the IPL, Bumrah and the Indian bowling unit have adapted well to the T20 World Cup pitches. "We didn't come here with that baggage," Bumrah noted.Bumrah's deep understanding with captain Rohit Sharma, developed over years of playing together for Mumbai Indians, has been crucial. "We were very clear in the huddle that we would focus on what's in our control," he said.In low-scoring matches, maintaining composure is essential. "If we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy," Bumrah explained.Bumrah's advocacy for bowlers reflects his appreciation for their often under-recognized contributions. "We're very happy with the appreciation that bowlers have received," he said.With this victory, India leads Group A with two wins from two games, while Pakistan's chances of advancing look slim.

Lungi Ngidi, the South African fast bowler, has established himself as a formidable force in international cricket since his Test debut in 2018. With 204 wickets across formats, he remains a key cog in the Proteas' bowling attack.Growing up, Ngidi idolized Makhaya Ntini, who coached him at a camp. He also admired Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander, and has had the privilege of playing alongside some of these legends.Ngidi's partnership with Kagiso Rabada has been a cornerstone of South Africa's bowling success. He describes Rabada as one of his best friends, and they have developed a strong on-field chemistry.Among Indian pacers, Ngidi has been impressed by Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav. He acknowledges the skill and consistency of these bowlers.Ngidi has faced some of the world's best batters, including Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Babar Azam, and David Warner. He considers these players to be the biggest challenges he has encountered.Reflecting on his Test debut against India, Ngidi recalls it as a cherished moment. He dismissed Kohli and K.L. Rahul, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.Ngidi's journey with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL has been a memorable one. He won the title in his first season and enjoyed playing alongside legends like M.S. Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina.Beyond cricket, Ngidi enjoys spending time with loved ones and exploring new interests. He plays the piano and is a fan of Kid Cudi.Despite being one of South Africa's strongest sides, they have not played many Tests in recent years. Ngidi expresses his desire to play more Test cricket, as he believes it is the toughest and most rewarding format.

Brett Lee: Fast Bowlers Struggling to Master Yorkers, Except for BumrahLegendary Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has expressed concern over the lack of proficiency in executing yorkers among fast bowlers, with the exception of India's Jasprit Bumrah. Lee believes that mastering this crucial delivery is essential in the modern cricketing landscape, where high scores are becoming increasingly common."On a general rule, other than Bumrah, we haven't seen enough fast bowlers nailing their yorkers recently," Lee said at the launch of the Legends Intercontinental T20 league. "I want to see fast bowlers bowl more yorkers. I still don't reckon they execute enough yorkers at the death."Lee emphasized the effectiveness of yorkers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where they have consistently proven to be economical, with an average strike rate of less than 100. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by innovative batsmen who can scoop the ball over the head."I'm all for batters smoking the ball all over, but there has got to be something for the bowlers too," Lee added. "I'm not asking for a green top, where teams bowled out for 110, because that's not good for cricket either."Lee believes that a good total in T20 cricket is around 185 to 230 runs, but recent scores have reached as high as 277. This makes it difficult for bowlers to contain the opposition, as they often concede 45 to 50 runs in their four overs.Regarding Australia's T20 World Cup squad, Lee believes that David Warner has earned the right to retire on his own terms. Despite the impressive performance of young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL, the selectors have opted for the experienced Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh in the top order. McGurk has been named as a traveling reserve.Lee advised McGurk to be patient and not rush his career. "I think if you go over there as a reserve batsman, you definitely have a chance to get an opportunity," Lee said. "But the advice to him, and he articulated it beautifully to say that he's only 22 years of age (araam se araam se). He's got time. There's no point rushing it."

Pakistan's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup has been met with praise from former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who believes the team has a solid lineup. However, he also highlighted fielding as a potential weakness for the team.Pakistan's fast-bowling attack is particularly impressive, with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf all included in the squad. Hayden described the quartet as "amazing" talents, noting their ability to generate pace and swing.The batting lineup also boasts star power, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman all in the side. Azam, the captain, is a natural leader and a prolific run-scorer, while Rizwan is a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. Zaman, a left-handed opener, is known for his aggressive batting style.Hayden believes that Pakistan's fielding is an area that needs improvement. "Their defensive efforts in the field have and hopefully, in this case, won't diminish their performances," he said.Pakistan is currently playing a four-match T20I series against England as part of their preparations for the World Cup. They will open their World Cup campaign against the USA in Texas on June 6, before facing arch-rivals India in New York on June 9.

Mayank Yadav, a 21-year-old pacer from Delhi, has emerged as a promising talent in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite bowling just 73 deliveries in his maiden IPL campaign, Yadav has showcased exceptional pace and skill, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.Yadav's journey began at the renowned Sonnet Club nets, where his raw talent was evident from a young age. His ability to generate skidding pace off the wicket, even as a scrawny 14-year-old, caught the attention of coach Devender Sharma.In his IPL debut against Punjab Kings, Yadav announced his arrival with a match-winning performance. He dismissed Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, finishing with figures of 3/27. His pace and accuracy continued to impress in the following game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he claimed another three wickets, including those of Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green.Yadav's pace has been a standout feature, with his fastest delivery of the season reaching 156.7kph against RCB. His consistency with line and length has also been commendable, as evidenced by his ability to bowl fuller deliveries and deceive batters.However, Yadav's progress has been hampered by injuries. He suffered an abdominal strain in his third game against Gujarat Titans and missed the next five matches. Upon his return against Mumbai Indians, he experienced discomfort in his fourth over and was forced to leave the field.Despite these setbacks, Yadav remains a highly promising prospect. His potential has been recognized by the BCCI, which has awarded him a fast-bowling contract. However, it is crucial that Yadav receives proper injury management to ensure his long-term success.If Indian cricket can nurture Yadav's talent and keep him fit, he has the potential to become a formidable force in the international arena. His raw pace, coupled with his developing skills, could make him a valuable asset for the Indian team in the years to come.

James Anderson's illustrious Test career, spanning two decades, has been a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite a shaky start, marked by an overambitious field placement that allowed Dion Ebrahim to plunder runs, Anderson's debut over was quickly overshadowed by his maiden Test five-for, bamboozling Mark Vermeulen with a classic inswinger.Initially, Anderson's fiery run-up and explosive deliveries were more about moments of brilliance than consistency. However, as he matured, he harnessed his powers, making economy of magic the cornerstone of his game. His ability to eliminate errors and deliver devastating deliveries with minimal fuss became his hallmark.Anderson's control and consistency were instrumental in England's greatest series victories, including the 2010-11 Ashes and the 2012-13 triumph in India. His parsimony perfectly complemented Alastair Cook's methodical approach to building innings, allowing England to dismantle opponents with precision and patience.Despite concerns about his relevance in the Bazball era, Anderson has proven his worth, claiming 60 wickets at an impressive average since Brendon McCullum took over. His performances have justified his recall, alongside Stuart Broad, who has also been a key figure in England's recent resurgence.Anderson's longevity is a testament to his robust physique and unwavering determination. Despite early struggles and injuries, he has remained remarkably resilient, defying expectations and becoming one of the most enduring fast bowlers in history.As Anderson prepares for his final Test at Lord's, he leaves behind a legacy of greatness. His puritanical values, unwavering competitiveness, and love for the game have made him an icon. While he may not seek the limelight, the tributes he receives will not only celebrate his individual brilliance but also the end of an era in fast bowling.