There is a lot of interest surrounding the next generation of Indian Test players. With some stalwarts all but gone, it is time to look at the youngsters. Talking on a TOI podcast — Bombay Sport Exchange — former India bowling coach in the Ravi Shastri era, discussed, as to who could take, whose place.
Could Arshdeep Singh Replace Mohammed Shami?
With Ishant Sharma not in the loop anymore, and Mohammed Shami too plagued with injuries, Bharat Arun answered, who could take over their roles. Talking about Mohammed Siraj, he discussed, he has stepped up. “Workhorse. You want somebody to come an bowl really good spells, Siraj is the one for you.”
Asked, “Who would be our next Shami,” Arun was a little conservative in his reply. He made it clear that Shami is in a league of his own, but there are a few bowlers who are coming up for sure. “Akash Deep is good, but of course, Shami was way ahead of the league. Arshdeep is good, he can be.. he can generate some pace too. There are a few more good guys like Mayank Yadav. But unfortunately, I don’t know what his fitness level is.”
Or Mayank Yadav?
Arun also went on to say, that even though Mayank Yadav can be a good prospect, but he should not be rushed into the scheme of things. He needs to be first prepared for the long haul by playing red-ball cricket. “Test cricket demands a lot more from the bowler. For a tearaway fast bowler, you don’t expect him to play a lot of Ranji matches, but you could give him a chance.
“Having said that, there is also a preparatory period that he has to go through, where you play for India A, play three-day matches, see how his temperament is in those matches, and then come to India. You can’t come to the Indian team and be told you’re not good enough. You’re actually spoiling the confidence of a player by picking him too early and then rejecting him. When you identify talent, it is very important to see how you nurse that talent.”
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