India was always known to be a spin-dominant nation but off late we are seeing a transition towards a high-paced fast bowling attack that can win games on any pitch given to them. India has started to produce bowlers who can trouble the batters in all ways.
But this trend started long back but became outdated in the middle. India did have a bunch of great fast bowlers in the team at all times and today we are going to rank the top three fast bowlers to have ever played cricket for India.
1) Kapil Dev
More than the wickets he took or the runs he hit, Kapil Dev signalled a new era in Indian cricket. He paved the door for other aspiring fast bowlers in the nation’s cricket league. For more than six years, Kapil held the record for the most wickets in a test career after surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee to achieve this feat.
Kapil’s career highlights were leading India to its first World Cup victory and first series victory on English soil, but his greatest contribution to cricket was establishing India as a fast-bowling powerhouse.
2) Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is credited by being the lead bowler for India in the 2011 World Cup victory. After making an impressive debut at the ICC KnockOut in 2000. He was a crucial member of the India team until his retirement.
He was tall and powerful and a master of the reverse swing. He could make the new ball move in both directions. With more than 500 international wickets under his belt, Zaheer is second only to Kapil Dev among India’s all-time leading wicket-takers. He is still playing in the Indian Premier League and is currently coaching the nation’s upcoming fast bowlers.
3) Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra, one of the oldest bowlers competing on the international stage, kept going strong. He continued to astound everyone with his form even though the majority of his contemporaries were watching from the commentary box or enjoying their time after retirement.
Nehra’s two-decade run at the top of the pyramid is a testament to his dedication and drive, especially considering that he has missed more games than he has played as a result of injuries. Nehra had found his abilities in the shortest format of the game, still playing at the same pace as people who were born around the time he made his international debut for India. When in form, he could move the ball either ways at the fastest possible speed.