India‘s fast-bowling depth has significantly improved in recent years, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj spearheading the attack. Not long ago, the pace unit was led by stalwarts like Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
While some of these experienced players continue to excel and are likely to remain key contributors, a new crop of talented fast bowlers is emerging through domestic cricket and T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
As we look forward to 2025, several promising young pacers have shown the potential to earn the coveted India cap. Here are the 3 uncapped fast bowlers poised to represent India in 2025:
#3 Anshul Kamboj
The 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj made his first-class debut in the 2022 Ranji Trophy against Tripura. During the 2023-24 Ranji season, he played in seven matches and claimed 17 wickets. Anshul has been exceptional in the ongoing 2024-25 season, already securing 17 wickets in just three games.
In November 2024, he made history as the third player to claim all 10 wickets in a Ranji Trophy innings, achieving this against Kerala with figures of 10-49. Anshul Kamboj has played 19 first-class matches, taking 57 wickets, and debuted in the 2024 IPL for the Mumbai Indians, claiming two wickets in three matches.
With 26 wickets in 22 T20 games, his height of 6ft 2in allows him to generate extra bounce and swing the ball both ways, making him a versatile asset. If he maintains consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, he could be a strong contender for a senior team call-up in 2025.
#2 Yash Dayal
In a memorable 2023 IPL match, KKR’s Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal to chase down 28 runs in the final five balls, securing a stunning victory. The incident led to a challenging period for Yash, who battled depression afterward.
In 2024, Yash rebounded with an impressive IPL season, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches and helping RCB reach the playoffs. He later earned a maiden call-up to the national team for a Test series against Bangladesh but didn’t debut. A potential call-up in 2025 remains on the cards.
Yash has an impressive record, with 84 wickets in 27 first-class matches and 53 in 56 T20s. His recent IPL and domestic performances showcase his ability to excel under pressure. With versatile bowling skills, both with the new ball and at the death, he is a valuable asset and a strong contender for India’s future plans.
#1 Rasikh Salam
Rasikh Salam, a fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2019 but played only one match that season and two more for KKR in 2022. In 2024, he emerged as a key death bowler for Delhi Capitals, taking nine wickets in eight matches and proving his ability under pressure.
Rasikh Salam excelled in the 2024 ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets in four games. He also claimed 11 wickets in seven matches during the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
At 24, Salam has shown considerable growth, and with his strong death-bowling skills, a national call-up may be on the horizon. While there is room for improvement, his raw talent and aggressive approach make him a bright prospect for Indian cricket.
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