As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 draws near, cricket enthusiasts are not just eagerly anticipating the thrills of the tournament but are also gearing up for the T20 World Cup 2024. Scheduled to commence after the cash-rich league, the T20 World Cup, which the USA and West Indies will co-host, is already capturing headlines.
Indian pace attack prospects
The nucleus of any T20 team’s success lies in its fast-bowling artillery, and India is no exception. As the national squad for the T20 World Cup is yet to be unveiled, the IPL 2024 assumes a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of aspiring young pacers. The tournament serves as a stage for them to exhibit their prowess, leaving an indelible mark that could secure them a coveted spot in the Indian team for the impending ICC spectacle.
IPL 2024: 5 Indian fast bowlers to look out for
1. Arshdeep Singh – Punjab Kings
Arshdeep Singh, a name that has intermittently featured in the Indian T20I squad, will be aiming for consistency in IPL 2024. Set to represent Punjab Kings, his performance in the upcoming season could be the deciding factor in whether he cements his place in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. The swing and seam mastery he brings to the table and variations in pace make him a bowler to watch out for.
2. Umran Malik – Sunrisers Hyderabad
Considered the next big sensation in India’s fast-bowling repertoire, Umran Malik’s journey has been marked by sporadic appearances. Armed with relentless pace, IPL 2024 presents a crucial opportunity for him to stake his claim in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. His express pace, ability to extract bounce, and knack for breaking partnerships make him an exciting prospect for the future of Indian fast bowling.
Also READ: Top 10 players who never won an Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
3. Deepak Chahar: Chennai Super Kings
Hailing from Agra and donning the yellow of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Deepak Chahar needs to rediscover his mettle in IPL 2024 to reclaim a spot in the Indian T20I squad for the World Cup. The competition within the Indian pace contingent makes every performance a make-or-break moment. Known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs, Chahar’s swing bowling could prove pivotal for India’s success.
4. Tushar Deshpande: Chennai Super Kings
Tushar Deshpande made waves with his sublime bowling in IPL 2023, garnering significant attention. As he gears up for IPL 2024, the young pacer has a golden opportunity to solidify his place in the national setup, particularly if he continues to sparkle on the field. His ability to mix up his lengths, generate pace and bowl with accuracy in the death overs positions him as a promising prospect in India’s pace arsenal.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the seasoned Indian seamer, could make a surprising comeback to the national squad based on his performance in IPL 2024. Despite being off of the selectors’ radar for a while, Kumar’s experience and skill set positions him as a potential candidate for a return. The upcoming IPL is a crucial platform for the swing maestro to showcase his form, fitness, and ability to trouble batters consistently. If Bhuvi delivers with the ball and maintains his fitness, then the selectors may find it hard to overlook his claim for a spot in the Indian team, adding a valuable dimension to their pace attack.