World Cup 2019: Sanjay Manjrekar rates Indian pacers based on skills and performances

The Indian fast bowling contingent, constituted by Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, has caused headaches for the best in the business. India’s bowling performances have simply been incredible over the last few months. The trio is one of the reasons why the team has done exceptionally overseas in all three formats.

They are now set to play the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. The Men in Blue are deemed as one of the top contenders to lift the trophy and the pacers are expected to play a pivotal role in their campaign. In the meantime, commentator Sanjay Manjrekar rated them based on their prowess in every format. He gave Bumrah 10 out 10 and it is no surprise.

“You know he is a 360 degrees bowler as he has got all the tools in his box. He can bowl the Yorker, bouncer, he can bowl at 145 kmph and can get the new ball to move off the pitch. He also started bowling the out-swinger. He is street-smart and is calm under pressure. India is blessed to have a bowler like Bumrah,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.

Bhuvneshwar has worked against all odds, says Manjrekar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t played much cricket in the last year or so. He has been sidelined due to injuries and also failed to keep up with his rhythm. Manjrekar rates him 6 out of 10 and reckons that Bhuvi strains in the death overs. Moreover, he said that Hardik Pandya should get into the playing XI ahead of Bhuvneshwar for the World Cup due to the former’s batting skills.

“In 50-overs cricket, we don’t quite see the best of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He has a great attitude and is someone who isn’t gifted. He has worked against all odds to make a contribution. He tends to strain at times in the death during 50-overs cricket due to his lack of pace and strength.

India is likely to drop Bhuvneshwar and get Hardik Pandya in because of the batting ability. He is a kind of bowler the world has seen a lot of,” Manjrekar mentioned.

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Never seen Shami bowling so consistently

He also had words of praises for the third pacer, Mohammed Shami, who until last year, wasn’t in contention for a spot in the ODI team. Nevertheless, of late, the experienced Bengal speedster rose through the ranks and Manjrekar is mighty impressed with his performance. He gave Shami 8 out of 10.

“Until the last year, Shami used to blow hot and cold. Earlier, he would bowl innocuous spells throughout the day and then suddenly bowl a great spell and get a couple of wickets in Test cricket. That has changed in the last 18 months as since then he has only blown hot and never cold.

I’ve never seen him bowling so consistently. He has lost a bit of weight, he is looking lean and his run-up has been the same right through. Shami has given the Indian bowling a different dimension,” Manjrekar, also a former Indian cricketer, added.

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