Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has listed two major criteria for Indian pacers to be picked for 2027 ODI World Cup. Pathan highlighted that the fast bowlers should be able to extract extra bounce and do something extra when the pitch is not providing much help.
India has lanky pacers like Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna, who both have done a decent job in the ODI format. Krishna has scalped 53 wickets in 30 ODI matches whereas Brar has bagged seven wickets in two ODIs against New Zealand after he had tough games against the West Indies and England.
Irfan Pathan said on Cricinfo, “Look in South Africa, if you remember the 2003 World Cup, we did really well. We swung the ball really well. Both the left-armers Zaheer [Khan] and [Ashish] Nehra were able to do something with the ball, Shri bhai [Srinath], with the experience, was outstanding. Even though he was not bowling at his peak pace, but he was still bowling really nicely – in good areas with some extra bounce.
“So you need to have some extra bounce. Quite a few fast bowlers India are trying right now get some extra bounce. They’ll get much more experienced by the time the World Cup comes in. So, either you need to do something extra with the ball when the ball is not doing and extra bounce. These are the two criteria I would definitely like to see from the fast bowlers,” Pathan added.
Indian fast bowlers are going to hold the key in the ODI showpiece and they will look to deliver the goods. Jasprit Bumrah is going to be India’s pack leader whereas pacers like Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will also play a crucial role.
The fourth ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday.
