In the land known primarily for its spin bowling, the new crop of Indian pace bowlers has been exciting, to say the least. This has not only made Team India an all-weather side but has also changed the global perception about India's style of playing the game. Here's a list of five of the best of the lot:
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
India fielded a brand new attack in the 2018 Under 19 World Cup in their opening fixture against Australia U19. After India's top three in Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra and Shubman Gill impressed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti got fans pumped when the fast bowler from Rajasthan ran in to bowl and delivered his first ball at 144 kph.
He followed it up with speeds of 144 kph, 146 kph, 144 kph, 147 kph and even touched 149 kph in the match. It has since been a pity that Nagarkoti has not been able to display his talent at the IPL due to injuries. He is expected to make up for that in IPL 2020.
Shivam Mavi
In the aforementioned match, Nagarkoti's bowling partner was Shivam Mavi, who also bowled some serious heat. Mavi bowled in excess of 140 kph as well and formed a lethal combination with Nagarkoti.
Just like his bowling partner, Shivam Mavi has also been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders and has had a similar fortune in terms of injuries. The Noida-born right-arm fast-medium bowler has a bright future ahead of him.
Navdeep Saini
Unlike Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, Saini has had some exposure at the highest level. He has represented India in five ODIs and 10 T20Is, in which he has impressed with this pace, even clocking 150 kph. Saini represents the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and picked up 11 wickets last year.
Saini not only has a mean bouncer but has an accurate yorker as well and has already become an integral part of the Indian pace bowling squad.
Ankit Rajpoot
26-year-old Ankit Rajput has been a part of several franchises at the IPL, namely Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. IPL 2018 was Rajpoot's best year when he picked up 11 wickets from 8 matches.
Capable of consistently topping the 140 kph mark, Rajpoot's career has seen a blip, but he is expected to bounce back soon. He is with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020.
Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan got noticed when he bowled a scorcher at 148.75 kph in IPL 2018. The Madhya Pradesh pacer has already been part of three IPLs but has not got enough games to prove his mettle. With Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, if Khan gets a consistent run, he is guaranteed to turn a few heads.
