T20 World Cup: India’s need for speed and Pakistan’s over speeding to determine Group 1 pole position

India started playing international cricket in 1932. While India did produce some brilliant fast bowlers time and again, those were largely in isolation and never as a pack of fast bowlers. And since then, the current crop of Indian fast bowlers is considered to be the best over time, in the history of Indian cricket.

Yet, as India wait to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan, their fast bowling is feared to be the weakest link. Indian fast bowlers have proved to be significantly expensive since the Asia Cup in September, conceding not only a few additional runs but waiving entire games in death overs. To add context, India lost two back-to-back games at the Asia Cup — against Pakistan and Sri Lanka — failing to defend scores of 181 and 173.

The issue gains more significance since the T20 World Cup is being played in Australia. The extra bounce on Australian pitches favours short balls and pace more often than not. But India lack in both aspects.

Group 1, which includes India in the Super 12 stage, comprises South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as well, with two more teams to make their way after Round 1. The South African pacers have an average speed of around 144 kmph. Pakistan pacers too bowl in a similar range of 140 – 145 kmph. The Indian bowling unit is at a distant low, somewhere in the medieval 130 kmph. Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep will be the fastest of the lot bowling around 135 kmph. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s average speed would drop to around 130 kmph, Harshal Patel is a designated slower-ball specialist.

Raring To Go!