Ishant Sharma Identifies Promising Long-Term Fast-Bowling Prospects for India in Test Cricket

Ishant has heaped praise on Siraj [Twitter]

Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has pinpointed a talented crop of fast-bowling prospects for the country's Test cricket.  Ishant stressed the significance of effectively managing Mohammad Shami's workload, taking into account both his age and responsibilities.

Speaking during a discussion on JioCinema, Ishant mentioned Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, and Mukesh Kumar as potential long-term options for the Indian team. However, their selection would depend on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah. The experienced bowler stressed the importance of effectively utilizing Shami due to his age.

“(Mohammed) Siraj, (Navdeep) Saini and Mukesh (Kumar). Obviously, it will depend on (Jasprit) Bumrah's fitness. It will be extremely important how you use (Mohammad) Shami because of his age. Shami tells me he is a year older than me. So I am 34, Shami might be 35,"  Ishant Sharma during a discussion on JioCinema.

Ishant also highlighted Prasidh Krishna as an intriguing prospect, but noted that his return from injury would require observation of his performance in first-class cricket. Recognizing the changes that occur in a player's bowling style and body after an injury, particularly a back injury.

"After that, Prasidh Krishna looks to be an extremely interesting prospect to me. Obviously, he is coming back from an injury, so (it needs to be seen) how he does in first-class cricket. A lot of things change in your bowling and body after an injury and especially after a back injury."

In addition to the mentioned bowlers, Ishant suggested considering talents from Under-19, Emerging, and first-class cricket. Avesh Khan caught his attention as a potential candidate. The rotation and workload management of these six bowlers will be crucial for India's future success.

"These are five and then you will have to see which guys do well in Under-19, Emerging or first-class cricket. Avesh Khan is one who comes to my mind. So these six bowlers, so how you rotate them and manage their workload."

Ishant's insights provide valuable considerations for the Indian team's selection and planning in nurturing and harnessing the talent of these fast-bowling prospects. It will be interesting to see how these players develop and contribute to India's Test cricket success in the long run.

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