India's search for a reliable left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket has been ongoing for a long time. Despite having a strong pace attack with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, the need for a left-arm seamer remains.
The absence of a left-arm seamer is a limitation that has been holding back India from becoming a truly complete and all-encompassing pace attack. A left-arm pacer adds a different dimension to the bowling attack with a varied angles of attack, pace and control. This is invaluable in the longest format of the game.
With the upcoming Test season on the horizon, India is eager to address this gap in their squad and the team management and selectors will be keen to explore the available left-arm pace options.
In this article, we delve into five left-arm fast bowlers who could potentially fill this crucial role in India's Test squad.
Left-arm pacers India could consider for red ball cricket
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a promising left-arm fast bowler for India, particularly known for his skillful death bowling in T20Is. Although he is yet to make his mark in Test cricket, his consistent performances in limited-overs cricket make him a potential candidate for India's red ball squad.
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Arshdeep has been part of the 2018 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad and have been performing well in the IPL. His ability to swing the ball both ways at speeds exceeding 140kph could add the much-needed variety to India's pace attack in Tests.
Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed, with his experience at the international level, is another left-arm pacer who could be considered for India's Test team. Although Khaleel has primarily featured in ODIs and T20Is, his domestic performances have shown that he has the potential to excel in the longer format.
Khaleel's best IPL season came in 2019 when he picked up 19 wickets in just 9 matches. If given the opportunity, Khaleel could provide the left-arm option that India has been seeking in Tests. It also helps that his control over line and length is exceptional.
Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal, yet to debut for India, has made strides in domestic cricket. His first-class record stands out, with 72 wickets in 23 matches at an average of 29.26, including five five-wicket hauls.
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In List A cricket, he has taken 32 wickets in 20 matches at an impressive average of 23.25. Dayal's left-arm pace, with his ability to maintain a tight line and length, would bring a fresh dynamic to the team, particularly on pitches that offer assistance to swing bowlers. He is also one of the few left-arm fast bowlers who have a fast bowling contract with BCCI.
Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat has long been on the fringes of India's Test team, with him making only 4 Test appearance from 2010 to 2023. However, his domestic performances have been exceptional, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, where he has consistently been among the top wicket-takers.
Unadkat's experience in leading Saurashtra to multiple Ranji Trophy finals is a testament to his skill in the longest format of the game. His inclusion in the Test squad could bring a wealth of experience and depth to India's bowling attack. He has already played for India in four Tests but has only three wickets to show for it.
Thangarasu Natarajan
Thangarasu Natarajan's rise from a tennis ball cricketer to an international star is nothing short of remarkable. He is known for his pinpoint yorkers in the limited-overs format.
He has played only one Test for India where he took 3 wickets. Natrajan's performances in the IPL and T20Is have proven his ability to perform under pressure. His left-arm angle and ability to bowl consistent yorkers make him a unique option. However, it is unlikely that he will be considered for Tests over the aforementioned names.
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