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India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket today, with his impact and stature often placing him alongside icons like Virat Kohli in terms of influence. However, former India pacer and current Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel offered a candid and thought-provoking perspective on Bumrah’s popularity and the broader fast-bowling ecosystem in India.Speaking on TOI Sports’ Bombay Exchange Podcast, Munaf acknowledged Bumrah’s superstar status but pointed out that the level of mass appeal still differs when compared to a batter like Kohli.”How will that happen sir? Look at Virat Kohli’s popularity and Bumrah’s popularity. There is a difference,” Munaf Patel said. “Bumrah is a star, no doubt, but there is still a difference when you compare his popularity with someone like Virat Kohli,” he added. The conversation soon shifted from individual stardom to a deeper issue, the development of fast bowlers in India. Munaf highlighted a systemic challenge, stressing that while India has begun producing bowlers with higher speeds, there remains a gap in awareness, training, and proper guidance at the grassroots level.He made a striking observation about pace being the primary currency in modern cricket.“If you ask me to find bowlers who can bowl at 125 kmph, I can bring many. But if you ask for bowlers who can consistently hit 140+, they are very rare,” he explained. “And the reality is, if you bowl 140+, you won’t go unnoticed. There’s almost no chance.”Munaf went on to underline what he believes is a paradox in Indian cricket, despite the clear demand for genuine pace, many aspiring fast bowlers are not being groomed effectively to reach those speeds.“It’s actually the easiest pathway right now,” he said. “If you are a fast bowler who can hit 135–140+, you can get into the Indian team quickly. But if you bowl at 125, no matter how much you swing the ball, you may not even get picked in IPL auctions.”He also questioned whether enough is being done at institutional levels to nurture fast bowlers scientifically. Referring to facilities like the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Munaf emphasized the need for structured training involving coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists to help bowlers increase pace safely and effectively.“You need to understand how to build that pace, strength, technique, workload management. Who is teaching that? That’s where the focus should be,” he added.Munaf’s remarks reflect a broader conversation in Indian cricket, one that balances the celebration of world-class talents like Bumrah with the urgent need to build a sustainable pipeline of high-quality fast bowlers for the future.
