6 Best fast bowlers in Test format in Indian Cricket history
While not exactly the kind of contest that we were expecting, India's easy win over debuting Afghanistan in just two days in a Test match at Bengaluru was a nice way for the Indian cricket team to prove their fitness and make a case for themselves before the lengthy tour to England.
While the batting started on a high and then floundered down the order, the bowlers had a fantastic outing against an inferior side. Both spinners and pacers decimated the Afghani batting as they chipped in with 11 and 9 wickets respectively.
The Indian bowling lineup has been, in the past, known for their profess in the spin department. Even though the team now has an acclaimed quartet of fast bowlers in all three formats, the same can not be said about the history of quickies from India.
However, there have been a few who have managed to make a mark for themselves in the past. Here are the six best fast bowlers for India in Test cricket history.
Honourable Mentions
Karsan Ghavri
The first Indian fast-bowler to take 100 wickets in a Test match, Karsan Ghavri was India's premier fast bowler till 1980. Between 1974 and 1981, Ghavri played 39 test matches and took 109 test wickets, which also included four 5-wicket hauls.
Irfan Pathan
Once regarded as India's next big thing, Irfan Pathan's career came to a premature end due to various reasons. However, between 2003 and 2008, he was India's best fast bowler and took 100 wickets in 29 test matches, including India's second ever test hat-trick. In addition to that, he has seven 5-wicket hauls and two 10 wickets per match to his name
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Had Bhuvneshwar Kumar been a regular member of the Test squad during his early years, he would certainly have been an automatic choice for this list. However, he was not a regular member of the team until 2017, and has only played 21 tests and taken 63 wickets. His bowling average and economy of 26.1 and 2.94 are among the best in Indian history. He will surely join the list in the years to come.