Former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander commended India’s ability to produce top-notch fast bowlers in recent times, attributing Virat Kohli’s leadership as a significant factor in nurturing pace bowlers, particularly in Test cricket.
Philander praised Jasprit Bumrah’s achievements in Test cricket, applauding the Mumbai Indians’ bowler for reaching the No. 1 spot in ICC Test Rankings. Bumrah’s feat of becoming the first Indian fast bowler to lead the Test bowling rankings, and only the second player after Kohli to achieve the top spot across all formats, garnered recognition.
Highlighting India’s competitiveness in overseas conditions while maintaining dominance at home, the former South African player emphasized the team’s development under Kohli’s captaincy.
Micheal Clarke said “Virat Kohli is the best player ever across all 3 formats”. [Espn Australia] pic.twitter.com/kotaP6DVnj
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Team India Performances In 2024
India’s Test series performance in South Africa, where they drew the series and clinched a victory in Cape Town on a challenging pitch favorable to fast bowlers, showcased their progress. In the ongoing series against England, India bounced back after a surprise defeat to secure a win in Visakhapatnam.
Under Kohli’s leadership from 2014 to 2022, India emerged as one of the premier teams in Test cricket, particularly excelling as a formidable traveling side. The team’s reliance on their improved fast-bowling skills was evident in their historic series win in Australia and their commendable performance in South Africa, where they managed to draw the series.
Philander also mentioned Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s contribution to the team who got the man of the match in the IND vs ENG 2nd Test as well.
“Bumrah is the (most) complete bowler at the moment. He has got magnificent skills and he has also learnt the trade of holding a line and length and that is the reason behind his success at the Test level,” Philander said.
“Initially, he wanted to bowl wicket-taking deliveries all the time and leaked runs but now he has learnt consistency,” he added.
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