India's current pace bowling quartet can play at least for two more years: Bharat Arun

In the past few years, the Indian fast-bowling unit has sort of come together and exceedingly well. India has had good quality pacers over the years, but never did they have a unit who was capable enough of picking 20 wickets in Tests constantly.

However, since the time Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have come together and formed a quartet, the bowling unit has taken a lot of wickets together. Throw in Bhuvaneshwar Kumar there, and you have a world-class bowling lineup.

However, it has often been talked about for how long can this unit be together and perform regularly. It seems the bowling coach of India, Bharat Arun thinks that this line-up can at least play for two more years.

Ishant and Umesh are 32 years old while Shami is 29. Bumrah is 26 while Bhuvi is 30 years old. It will be interesting to see if the assumptions of the bowling coach are on point or not.

‘An exciting crop of fast bowlers is coming through’: Bharat Arun

“The present attack has done exceptionally well and I don’t see any problem in them continuing as a group for at least two more years. If they remain fit and strong, they can well continue after that as a group but yes certainly two years at least,” Arun said.

Arun, who has been the bowling coach of the Indian team for the past few years, said pointed out that an exciting batch of young pacers is coming in the near future.

“Yes, an exciting crop of fast bowlers is coming through and it will require a joint effort of the selectors and coaches to identify the next batch so that there is a healthy bench strength,” Arun, himself a former India medium-pacer, said.

Considering the young bowlers who are quite good, Arun said he has plans to conduct joint training sessions for the senior and junior bowlers.

“I would like all the contracted fast bowlers to be in the camp, also some of the promising bowlers (fast and spin) who have done well in domestic cricket as well as for India A to be included in the camp,” he said.

The pace bowling unit will be quite crucial when India play their next two big Test series in Australia, South Africa, England and New Zealand. India is set to play four Tests in Australia starting late this year, followed by a five-match Test series against England at home after that.