Photo via India Today

Bhuvi is back at 36. But where are India's next-gen T20 fast bowlers?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20I squad at 36 has reignited questions about the team’s depth in fast bowling, especially with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the upcoming New Zealand series. The veteran’s selection alongside Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, and Prince Yadav reflects his continued dominance in domestic cricket, where he has maintained sharp new-ball control and swing—a rarity among India’s current pace options.

However, the reliance on a 36-year-old seamer underscores a troubling gap in the pipeline, as no other specialist fast bowler has matched Bumrah’s or Arshdeep’s consistency in the format. Since Kumar’s last T20I in 2022, India has tried 23 bowlers in the role, but only two—Bumrah and Arshdeep—have played 20 or more matches, with most others struggling for opportunities or fitness.

Injuries have further complicated plans, sidelining promising talents like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, while others like Mohammed Siraj and Avesh Khan remain fringe options despite occasional flashes of potential. The lack of a clear succession plan raises concerns about India’s ability to sustain its pace attack beyond the current core, particularly as younger bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik await more sustained chances.

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