Indian fast bowlers can compete in any condition, feels Ian Chappell
Former Australian Captain Ian Chappell feels that the current Indian pace battery is capable of troubing any batting line-up in any condition around the world. India recently whitewashed South Africa 3-0 at home but surprisingly, it was the Indian pacers who inflicted damage on the Proteas.
The Indian pace battery has been in fine form for the last couple of years. Right from tours of South Africa, England and Australia, Indian bowlers have troubled batsmen all over the world. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell was really pleased with the kind of performance India put in and has hailed the Indian pace attack.
"India has added a new dimension to their game with the fast bowlers -- even minus Jasprit Bumrah -- playing a huge part in a home victory," Ian Chappell mentioned in his column for ESPN Cricinfo.
"After years of planning and the advent of numerous academies, India has finally put together a group of fast bowlers who allow them to compete anywhere in the cricket world," Chappell further added.
India have always been blessed with quality spinners, but the emergence of a pace attack that consists of different variety and dimensions is something that Chappell believes other teams lack.
"Bumrah, when fit, the indefatigable Mohammed Shami, the vastly improved Ishant Sharma, and the pacy Umesh Yadav give India a quartet of fast bowlers that demand respect in all conditions. These pace spearheads, added to India's always capable spinners, give the attack a potency that not too many other countries can match," he said.
Post Kapil Dev, India have always craved for that seam-bowling all-rounder who can inflict equal damage with both bat and ball. Hardik Pandya, widely considered as India's best all-rounder since Kapil Dev, failed to impress with the chances he was given in India's overseas tours, but Chappell believes that with Pandya developing, India can compete in any condition. He also feels that the IPL has given the youngsters some much-needed experience, while also significantly increasing the talent pool in Indian cricket.
"Slot a fit seam-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya into that group and India are more than adequately placed to cope with any conditions they encounter. A well-balanced bowling attack is a perfect antidote to any attempt to provide conditions that heavily favour the home side," he wrote.
"With an enormous talent pool, young players gaining experience from mixing with international stars in the IPL, and the right selections, India should remain a powerful opponent for the indefinite future," he said.
