Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled by India – why ageing fast bowlers are in high demand

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a veteran fast bowler for India, has been recalled to the national team after a three-year hiatus. At the age of 36, Kumar will join the Indian squad for their upcoming tour of New Zealand. His re-entry into the Indian T20 team has sparked a conversation about the continued demand for experienced bowlers in international cricket, particularly in the shortest format.

Kumar's return to the Indian lineup coincides with the struggles of younger fast bowlers who have not been able to establish themselves in any format of the game. Despite their youth and talent, players like Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mayank Yadav, and Anshul Kamboj have been unable to secure a spot in the national team. This situation highlights the disparity between the experienced fast bowlers and the emerging talent in the sport.

In recent series against the West Indies, India's bowling attack faltered, with the Windies easily chasing down a target in the third ODI. Among the experienced bowlers, only Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh have been considered first-choice picks. This performance has led to a renewed focus on Kumar, as well as a potential push for Shami's return to the Indian team for the ODI World Cup next year.

The reliance on experienced fast bowlers, such as Kumar and Siraj, has become increasingly important as the next generation of bowlers has struggled to match their level of experience and adaptability. Fast bowling demands a significant amount of legwork and physical endurance, which can be achieved by playing a combination of first-class and Test cricket. This experience allows bowlers to adjust their techniques according to match situations and conditions, making them more effective in the long run.

In contrast, younger bowlers who have primarily honed their skills in the T20 format may lack the comprehensive skill set needed to excel across various formats and conditions. Consequently, teams are opting to retain their veteran fast bowlers for as long as possible, recognizing their value in maintaining a well-rounded bowling attack.