Endgame for These 5 Indian Fast Bowlers: What Went Wrong?

India, over the years, has produced some quality fast bowlers who created an impact on the world of cricket. From the likes of legendary Zaheer Khan to the recent sensation Jasprit Bumrah every bowler has bowled their heart out and troubled the opposition. Some became legends while some had their career cut short because of various factors.

Have a look at the Indian Fast Bowlers who may never represent India again: 

Umesh Yadav

One of the go-to bowlers during the Kohli-Shastri era, Umesh Yadav had sheer pace and picked wickets at crucial junctures. His records at home condition were phenomenal and he was always the first bowling change in foreign conditions. His ability to swing the bowl at a constant speed of 135+ favored India.

In the test career of 75 matches, Umesh Yadav picked 170 wickets at an average of 31 and his best bowling figure in a match is 10 wickets for 133 runs. He had a decent ODI career where he picked up 106 wickets in 75 matches with the best figure of 4 wickets for 31 runs. However, with growing age, and the inclusion of new bowlers, Umesh lost his place in the team. He played his last match in 2023 and, likely, he may not feature again in the Indian team. 

Deepak Chahar

One of the finest swing bowlers, Deepak Chahar had a very short career. An injury-prone player, Deepak’s career couldn’t take off, and was sidelined by BCCI after a few stints. Deepar Chahar’s swing was always threatening for the batters and was difficult to pick up his deliveries. He holds the record of picking up 6 wickets in just 7 runs in T20Is. He also has a hat-trick to his name. Deepak last played in 2023 and has been out of the team since then. With new players performing, so most likely Deepak Chahar won’t wear the Indian jersey again. 

T Natarajan

One of the key players of the famous Gabba test, where India breached the fortress and handed Australia their first defeat at the venue after 32 years. T Natarajan had a good start to his career and was looked upon as the next big thing for India. However, fate had some other plans for him. His injury kept him out of the team and Natarajan ended up playing only 7 matches for India.

T Natarajan was left out of the Indian squad because of injury and was replaced immediately by young pacers. He had a decent 2023 and 2024 IPL season picking up 10 and 19 wickets respectively. With age not on his side and regular injury, it is likely that we have seen the end of Natarajan’s journey in Indian jersey. 

Jaydev Unadkat

One of the stalwarts of Saurashtra in the domestic circuit, Jaydev Unadkat unfortunately couldn’t replicate his performances on the international stage. The red-ball magician in domestic cricket debuted in the year 2010 in Test matches for India and got his second chance after a wait of 13 years. With Zaheer, Munaf, and Praveen Kumar in his prime, Undakat stood no chance of getting selected.

The later bowling unit featured Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shami, Umesh, and Bumrah making it hard for Unadkat to play again. However, his perseverance paid off and he got a chance again in 2023. He had a very decent career in the Indian jersey and played only 22 matches in his career. His last appearance was in 2023 and he hasn’t been on BCCI’s radar since then. His lack of pace and growing age would be a hurdle in his selection again. So, most likely we can consider him to have played his match for India. 

Prasidh Krishna

Once touted as an upcoming pace bowler who could be a regular featuring in the Indian team, Prasidh Krishna had a good start to his career picking up 29 wickets in 17 ODI matches. His strike rate of 28 was much better than his contemporaries. His best figure stands at 4 wickets for 12 runs. A tall, genuine pace bowler who caught the eyes of selectors with his performances in the IPL.

Unfortunately, Prasidh Krishna’s injury kept him out of the team for a longer period. The emergence of new bowlers, and them doing well proved to be too much for him. Additionally, him prone to injury is also one of the reasons that may restrict his selection into the give. Since BCCI is looking for bowlers who can serve for a longer time without getting major injuries so that the stability of the squad can be achieved, he is hardly to get selected for the team again.

These players however will be hoping for a good comeback and present their chance only through their consistency in both performances and fitness.