Who after Bumrah and Siraj? Is India's fast-bowling assembly line drying up?

India’s fast-bowling lineup is clearly in transition, and it’s far from certain who’ll take over once the current stars bow out. Jasprit Bumrah remains the leader but is playing fewer matches due to injuries and workload management. Since his back surgery in 2023, he’s been carefully rotated. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj has taken on more responsibility, bowling more overs and becoming the team's workhorse. But even Siraj's heavy workload raises concerns about his long-term fitness.

The next wave of pacers hasn’t yet made a convincing case for themselves. Names like Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Anshul Kamboj have shown potential, but injuries, inconsistency, or lack of experience keep them on the fringes. Akash Deep impressed with a ten-wicket haul on debut but has struggled to maintain that form. Prasidh Krishna’s height and bounce are promising, but his performance is patchy. Arshdeep Singh’s control and swing make him a white-ball regular, though he’s still finding his feet in Tests. Harshit Rana bursts with raw pace and aggression but needs consistency. Anshul Kamboj has raw talent but is still adjusting to international cricket.

The domestic circuit offers some hope, with young bowlers like Himanshu Chauhan and Gaurav Yadav catching attention, but none have yet forced their way into the national conversation.

With Bumrah and Siraj both past 30, the clock is ticking. India’s selectors must make bold, smart decisions to groom these youngsters and ensure a smooth handover. It’s a make-or-break moment for India’s fast bowling — the pressure is on to build the next generation of strike bowlers who can carry the legacy forward.
**This news was published on India Today on 8th August, 2025.

 

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