3 Pacers India Must Groom as Jasprit Bumrah Replacements in ODIs
The Challenge of Replacing a National Treasure
Jasprit Bumrah has firmly established himself as an irreplaceable asset for the Indian cricket team since his heroics in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Widely considered the finest bowler in contemporary cricket, his ability to manipulate conditions, swing the new ball, and execute precise death-overs makes him the lynchpin of India’s bowling attack. However, his unique action and immense workload have made him injury-prone, forcing the BCCI to adopt a cautious approach regarding his long-term availability.
Ashok Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah in frame. Credits – AFP
With a strategic focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, the management is carefully monitoring Bumrah’s participation. Reports suggest he will prioritize the nine upcoming Test matches post-IPL 2026, necessitating his absence from select ODI series. This shift creates a critical void, but it also presents a golden opportunity to cultivate a robust pipeline of fast-bowling talent. Below are three standout pacers from the IPL 2026 circuit who possess the potential to fill the void.
1. Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans)
Ashok Sharma has emerged as an overnight sensation, capturing the imagination of selectors by clocking an impressive 154.2 kmph during the 2026 IPL season. A raw, aggressive talent, Sharma thrives on hitting the deck hard and unsettling batters with sharp, accurate lengths. His inclusion in the India A squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up matches proves he is already on the radar of the national selectors.
Being part of the Gujarat Titans setup offers him the invaluable experience of sharing a dressing room with seasoned international stars like Mohammad Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Furthermore, playing under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, who also leads the Indian ODI and Test sides, could fast-track his integration into the senior international fold.
2. Kartik Tyagi (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Kartik Tyagi’s journey has been one of resilience. Once earmarked as a future star after serving as a net bowler for the historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the 25-year-old endured a difficult stretch of injuries between 2021 and 2024. However, his form in IPL 2026 has been a revelation.
Bowling for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Tyagi has consistently exceeded the 140 kmph barrier, combining pace with a knack for hitting difficult lengths. His performances against elite sides like CSK and RR have showcased his ability to operate effectively as a first-change bowler. Should he remain fit, his profile is ideally suited for the challenging tracks in Africa, where extra pace and bounce can be decisive.
3. Prince Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)
If India is looking for a bowler in the mold of Australia’s Josh Hazlewood—disciplined, smart, and relentlessly accurate—Prince Yadav fits the bill perfectly. The 24-year-old first made waves in the DPL 2024, but his meteoric rise followed a dominant List-A campaign for Delhi in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he claimed 18 wickets in just eight innings.
In the IPL 2026, Yadav has been honing his craft under the mentorship of Mohammed Shami. His ability to move the ball both in the air and off the pitch makes him a versatile threat. As he learns the nuances of professional cricket under Shami’s guidance, he is rapidly evolving into a high-IQ bowler capable of maintaining pressure in middle overs—a skill that will be vital for India’s ODI aspirations in the coming years.
Conclusion
The transition period for the Indian ODI team is inevitable. While Jasprit Bumrah remains the gold standard, the development of Ashok Sharma, Kartik Tyagi, and Prince Yadav provides a promising glimpse into the future. By investing in these young, high-potential pacers now, the BCCI can ensure that the Indian bowling attack remains fearsome, flexible, and ready for the challenges of the next World Cup cycle.
