There’s a clear blueprint for the ODI World Cup 2027. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) realises fast bowlers of shorter stature won’t do the trick in South Africa. You need tall and hit-the-deck pacers who generate extra bounce. One can’t forget that India’s fast bowling coach is Morne Morkel, one of the best Proteas fast bowlers of the 21st century. If there’s someone who knows what works in South Africa, it’s him.
BCCI’s tall & fast approach for South Africa
Over the last few years, we’ve seen him work with the likes of Shivam Dube, a part-time fast bowler. He’s converted the all-rounder from a swing bowler to a hit-the-deck pacer. Prasidh Krishna seems to have hit his stride during Morkel’s stint. Then you have Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar.
It’s clear that Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the selection committee, VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence (CoE), and Gautam Gambhir, head coach, have all simultaneously decided to place all of their eggs into the tall fast bowler’s basket. The results have been great as well.
Prasidh Krishna has done well at home and away in Test cricket. He’s been one of the best middle-overs bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the last two years. Harshit has already featured across formats and has yet to hit his stride. Gurnoor is just 2 matches old and has 6 wickets.
“For the last 2-3 years, the way players have been picked for the target pool at the Centre of Excellence, where they work on their fitness, alignment and technique, has been exceptional. People on the outside don’t realise that. For some, Gurnoor Brar might be a new face, but that’s not the case.
One thing’s clear: the management and selectors are looking for taller bowlers who generate extra bounce naturally. Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and now Gurnoor are all tall bowlers. When Jasprit Bumrah returns, it’ll be a perfect set,” Manoj Tiwari said on Cricbuzz.
Perfect blend of variety
The ODI format isn’t the most played format now, with T20Is taking over. But in the limited opportunities they’ve got, Prasidh, Harshit, and Gurnoor have done exceptionally well. Combined with more experienced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, you get the perfect blend of talent, skills, height, and control.
In South Africa, India will most likely play three or four frontline fast bowlers and one fast-bowling all-rounder. Bumrah and Siraj can be pencilled for two spots. Prasidh may have more experience, but Harshit has the ability to bat. Then you have Gurnoor, who’s the tallest and fastest but also the least experienced.
Depending on the surface, you might see Harshit and another fast bowler play alongside Bumrah and Siraj. Arshdeep will be Siraj’s backup as a swing bowler, while Harshit, Prasidh and Gurnoor all play the role of the middle-overs enforcer. Prince Yadav, who recently made his ODI and international debut, might be the backup to Bumrah as a skillful all-phase bowler.
| Fast Bowler | Height | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 5’10 | 135-145 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 5’10 | 135-145 |
| Harshit Rana | 6’2 | 135-145 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 6’3 | 130-140 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 6’3 | 135-145 |
| Gurnoor Brar | 6’5 | 140-150 |
| Prince Yadav | 5’7 | 135-145 |
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