SL vs IND 2024: We need depth in our fast bowling – Ajit Agarkar

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said they need depth in their fast bowling. India has potent fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj but Agarkar reckons it is crucial to give more exposure to the other pacers.

Shami has started bowling in the nets after recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered at the fag end of the ODI World Cup 2023. The ace pacer had to undergo surgery and is soon expected to return to action for Bangladesh Tests.

Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload needs to be managed with guile. Bumrah recently picked 15 wickets in eight matches of the T20 World Cup.

“There are a few injuries at the moment. Some of the fast bowlers are out, and we hope they’ll be back playing within the next month,” Ajit Agarkar said in the press conference.

“Shami has started to bowl, which is a good sign. The goal is to have him fit by the first Test on September 19th. We need to confirm the timeline with the NCA,” Agarkar commented.

With India set to play more Test matches in the home conditions, Agarkar admitted they might not need three fast bowlers in the playing XI as the spinners are expected to do the bulk of the bowling in favorable conditions.

“With so many Tests coming up in India, we may not always play three seamers in the eleven, but we need depth in our squad. Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami have been around for a while, but we need to build depth and explore other options,” he added.

India has a potent fast bowling attack but at the same time, it is crucial to build more depth in the squad. 

India will play the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday.