3 Pace Bowlers India Must Groom to Replace Jasprit Bumrah in ODIs

The Changing Landscape of Indian Pace Bowling

Jasprit Bumrah has firmly established himself as a national treasure since his heroic displays in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Widely regarded as the premier bowler in world cricket, his ability to manipulate conditions, extract movement from flat tracks, and deliver pinpoint yorkers makes him a generational talent. However, the unique demands of his unorthodox bowling action mean that his long-term physical management is a priority for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

With the 2027 ODI World Cup looming in the challenging conditions of Africa, the selectors are faced with a difficult reality: Bumrah cannot play everything. As reports suggest he will prioritize the nine upcoming Test matches following the 2026 IPL, the hunt for his successors in the 50-over format has intensified. Grooming a new generation of strike bowlers is not just a preference; it is a necessity for India’s white-ball future.

1. Ashok Sharma: The Speed Merchant

Perhaps the most exciting prospect currently lighting up the domestic circuit is the Gujarat Titans sensation, Ashok Sharma. Making headlines in the 2026 IPL by regularly clocking speeds of 154.2 kmph, Sharma brings a level of raw hostility that is rare in Indian cricket. His ability to hit the deck hard and trouble top-order batters with sharp, aggressive lines makes him an immediate candidate for international exposure.

Having gained valuable experience with the India A squad during the 2026 T20 World Cup preparation, Sharma is already familiar with the national setup. Furthermore, his current environment at the Gujarat Titans—where he shares the dressing room with established icons like Kagiso Rabada and works under the leadership of Shubman Gill—is the ideal incubator for his professional development.

2. Kartik Tyagi: The Resurgent Powerhouse

The journey of Kartik Tyagi is a testament to resilience. Once considered a future mainstay after his heroics as a net bowler during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Tyagi’s momentum was stalled by a series of injuries between 2021 and 2024. Now, the 25-year-old is back and breathing fire for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2026 IPL.

Tyagi’s ability to maintain pace north of 140 kmph while bowling tight, hard lengths makes him an ideal first-change bowler in ODIs. His recent displays against formidable sides like CSK and RR demonstrate that he has regained his rhythm and is ready to operate under pressure. His return to form provides India with a seasoned, yet still young, option who understands the rigors of the international game.

3. Prince Yadav: The Disciplined Precisionist

If Ashok Sharma is the fire, Prince Yadav is the ice. Frequently compared to Australian legend Josh Hazlewood, the 24-year-old Lucknow Super Giants seamer has mastered the art of disciplined, methodical bowling. His rise began in the DPL 2024, but his breakout moment came during the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he dismantled batting lineups with 18 wickets in just eight innings.

Yadav’s development is currently being fast-tracked under the mentorship of the veteran Mohammed Shami. His ability to extract movement off the deck while maintaining immaculate line and length makes him a tactical asset for the long, middle-overs phase of an ODI innings. For conditions that require consistency and control rather than just raw pace, Yadav stands out as the most balanced candidate in the pool.

The Path to 2027

The road to the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa will be defined by how effectively these young talents are integrated into the senior squad. While Jasprit Bumrah remains the gold standard, the BCCI’s proactive approach to identifying these three prospects—Sharma, Tyagi, and Yadav—ensures that the Indian pace battery remains a feared force. By carefully managing their workloads and providing them with regular international experience, India can build a deep, versatile, and highly capable bowling unit ready to conquer the next major challenge.