Aakash Chopra explains how India built one of the best pace attacks in the world

For a long period of time, India didn’t have a great fast bowling unit. This is exactly the reason why they weren’t so successful in overseas Tests. Pakistan had a period where they have performed well to win matches away from home. However, with time, India developed an entire line-up of quality fast bowlers, who are now reaping the rewards in overseas conditions. 

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra decided to make an entire video on how India developed this lot of fast bowlers. In the video on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained how India managed to make a pool of fast bowlers who can be world beaters in any conditions. He started by explaining how India has always had great batsmen and spinners.

However, he added that the spinners can’t win against a team in overseas conditions all the time, while the batters might set up the game but it is the pacers who need to win you matches in overseas conditions. “Now, we have Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shardul Thakur and I have not even mentioned T Natarajan, Navdeep Saini, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” Chopra said while talking about India’s bowling depth. 

Aakash Chopra explains the role of BCCI in making a good fast bowling unit

After this, Chopra started to explain how the Indian fast bowling unit became this strong. He noted that the BCCI had created a long-term vision in domestic cricket which allowed the pacers to thrive. “They started giving grass on the wicket. They started mentoring the fast bowlers properly because they knew that they can win in home conditions with rank turners but they would need these pacers when they go abroad,” Chopra said. 

The cricketer-turned commentator further noted the change which has come about in the Indian Premier League. He noted that previously, most of the main pacers of teams were overseas stars. However, with time, each team has found Indian pacers who can bowl in the powerplay as well as bowl at the death as well. 

Chopra lastly gave an example of Jasprit Bumrah, who recently picked up nine wickets in the first Test against England. He said that despite England having the likes of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, India has one of the best in the world in Bumrah. He added that he has many young bowlers copy his action and it seems that the Gujarat pacer is inspiring a new generation of upcoming fast bowlers.