Genuine pace of Umran Malik will be hard to ignore: Ian Chappell

Over the years, India has unearthed a number of fast bowlers courtesy of the Indian Premier League and groomed them into a pack of world-class pacers. 

With the ongoing edition of the tournament showcasing the depth of fast bowlers in the country, there is one man, Umran Malik, who is making the noises for all the right reasons. 

One of the most respected voices in world cricket, Ian Chappell, says that the advent of IPL has acted as a catalyst for India's enormous depth in pace bowling, and it is not showing any signs of abating.

"India's pace-bowling revolution shows no sign of abating, and the name on IPL watchers' lips is currently that of the pacy Umran Malik. In the past, India has displayed patience in developing its fast-bowling group, but the genuine pace of Malik will be hard to ignore," Chappell wrote in his column for 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"In a world where fast-bowling is a valuable commodity, India are now a shining light." he further added. 

The IPL has been one of the significant reasons for India's dominance in world cricket as it allows the players to share the dressing room with the international players whilst creating an impact. 

"India are currently a dominant international side, and if they continue to show the required resolve, they will continue to be a leading team. That is an envious position, and India can thank the highly successful IPL for much of their lofty reputation," he said. 

"The development of star quick bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj has been instrumental in India's improved overseas reputation. There is also a depth below that group, in the successful Ishant Sharma, the underrated Umesh Yadav, and handy back-up in Shardul Thakur," he further added. 

The Australian skipper who first toured India in 1969 believes the situation now is far from the days when some Indian players were happy being non-playing members in adverse conditions.

"India have evolved from a team that had a reputation where some players treasured the blazer, sweater and cap more than actual selection in the Test side, to one that was extremely difficult to beat under any conditions," he wrote.

"However, India, who had produced the odd faster bowler, lacked a pace conglomerate. Then the IPL began to bare its teeth, and now we have the current generation of fast bowlers to round out a versatile attack, which accompanies a strong batting line-up and a decent catching combination," he concluded. 

(With inputs from PTI)