'India's enormous depth in pace bowling is the envy of most countries': Ian Chappell
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has credited the fast bowling group for India's overseas success in Test cricket.
The legendary Aussie batter opined that the development of the fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj has been pivotal in team India's success in the longest version of the game overseas. Further, he stated that Umran Malik's 'raw pace' will be hard to ignore.
"Nowadays, India's enormous depth in pace bowling is the envy of most countries. The development of star quick bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj has been instrumental in India's improved overseas reputation. There is also a depth below that group, in the successful Ishant Sharma, the underrated Umesh Yadav, and handy back-up in Shardul Thakur," Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
The cricketer-turned-commentator and one of the game's biggest analysts for many years now believes that India has evolved as a Test-playing nation. Also, Chappell reckoned that the Indian team is difficult to beat under any playing conditions.
"India have evolved from a team that had a reputation where some players treasured the blazer, sweater, and cap more than actual selection in the Test side, to one that was extremely difficult to beat under any conditions," he added.
Like other teams from the sub-continent, India has been known for producing world-class spinners, but the current crop of fast bowlers has reversed that theory in the last few years.
The pace quartet is not only lethal but economical at the same time when they set a batsman into a trap without leaking runs. Many cricket pundits like Chappell have praised the Indian pacers for the success away from home in the longest format of the game.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
