Why Pakistan Produce Better Fast Bowlers Than India?

Pakistan has produced some of the best fast bowlers in the world. To name a few Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Amir are the players who proved to be a nightmare for the world-class batters from time-to-time. Thus, what is the secret of Pakistan fast bowling producing factory?

The stocks are on high and the quality of the product is known to the whole world. On the other hand, India hasn’t able to produce the same brand of fast bowlers apart from the strong-looking batting department.

Therefore, what is the secret that despite having almost same conditions, one country has been able to produce top-notch fast bowlers while the other hasn’t ticked the right boxes?

The secret lies in Pakistan’s following of the game. Pakistan young generation has always looked up to the likes of Akram and Waqar as their inspiration in particular. They often tried to follow in the footsteps of their respective role model even after having limited resources at their disposal.

Furthermore, they also don’t go gaga after the emergence of a talented fast bowler. However, they eventually try to polish the skillful bowler into a better fast bowler.

The same story goes for left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan. The Baroda all-rounder achieved great success in his early days of International career with his ability to swing the ball.

However, as Pathan could not add pace to his armoury, he faded away at the biggest stage.

In the 129 One Day Internationals, Pakistan has won 73 matches as compared to India’s 52 with four matches ending in a stalemate. Thus, in most of these wins, Pakistan fast bowlers have played their crucial part.

However, India holds its wood on Pakistan in the World Cup matches.

Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, who has bowled the fastest-ever delivery in the gentleman’s game said Pakistan fast bowlers believe in doing the hardcore training.

One of the pivotal factors for the fast bowlers is the run-up to the popping crease. In fact, fast bowling is one of the most difficult jobs in the game as it requires a lot of energy.

Therefore, a player should be at the top of his fitness to bend his back amid the scorching heat.

Moreover, we had recently noticed that a young Pakistan boy was getting a ‘banana swing’ on the terrace of his home. The video went viral and the boy was also appreciated by the great Wasim Akram.

Consequently, it is about building on owing the right habits from the childhood days.

On the other hand, Indian young generation has always looked up to the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid.

Well, not many aspiring cricketers want to be the next Javagal Srinath or Zaheer Khan or the great Kapil Dev.

Why, isn’t fast bowling fun? Yes, it requires more physical effort but one has to do the hard work to reach a pinnacle in any profession. Thus, it is all in the perspective of the young players of what they want to be in their career.

Therefore, coaching wards at the grassroots level play an imperative role in polishing of the player.

Moreover, India should try to rope in a foreign coach like Glenn McGrath or Alan Donald and veteran Curtly Ambrose. Even the Bangladesh team has set an example by roping in Courtney Walsh as their interim coach.

Meanwhile, the current Indian fast bowlers generation has shown an upward swing in their graph. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have come through the ranks to yield desired results.

Moreover, they have also delivered the goods in the limited-overs fold in particular. However, it is also crucial to keep polishing these promising fast bowlers.

Indian fast bowlers were able to scalp all the 60 wickets on the recent South African tour which was the biggest positive.

In conclusion, they have the skills to come up good at the topmost level even while playing in Pakistan conditions.