Jasprit Bumrah Replacements: 3 Pacers India Must Groom for ODIs
The Challenge of Replacing a National Treasure
Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Jasprit Bumrah has solidified his status as a national treasure and arguably the most lethal bowler in world cricket. His unique ability to seam, swing, and outfox batters on the flattest of tracks makes him the cornerstone of India’s bowling attack. However, the unorthodox action that grants him such success also makes the 32-year-old inherently injury-prone. Recognizing this, the BCCI has shifted to a cautious workload management strategy, prioritizing Bumrah for Test cricket and ICC marquee events while limiting his appearances in bilateral ODIs.
With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for late 2027 in South Africa, India faces a critical developmental task: identifying and grooming replacements who can withstand the rigors of international cricket. Building a robust pace unit capable of thriving in African conditions is paramount. Based on recent performances in the IPL 2026, here are three pacers who deserve investment.
1. Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans): The Raw Speed Merchant
Ashok Sharma has emerged as an overnight sensation, capturing the imagination of selectors by clocking an astonishing 154.2 kmph during the IPL 2026. Playing for the Gujarat Titans, Sharma fits the mold of a modern-day enforcer. He thrives on hitting the deck hard, combining raw pace with aggressive lines that terrorize top-order batters.
His development is being fast-tracked through his exposure to high-level environments. Having already been part of the India A setup during the 2026 T20 World Cup warm-ups, Sharma is no stranger to the national scheme of things. Sharing a dressing room with legends like Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj, coupled with the leadership of Shubman Gill, positions him perfectly to refine his craft and become a world-class speedster.
2. Kartik Tyagi (Kolkata Knight Riders): The Resurgent Force
Kartik Tyagi’s journey has been one of resilience. Once touted as a future star during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a net bowler, his progress was hampered by a series of injuries between 2021 and 2024. However, the 25-year-old has roared back to form for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
Despite his franchise’s struggles in the points table, Tyagi has been a standout performer, particularly in high-pressure matchups against Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Consistently operating above the 140 kmph mark, Tyagi is an ideal candidate for a first-change role. His ability to hit hard lengths makes him a valuable asset for the bouncy tracks expected in the 2027 World Cup.
3. Prince Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants): The Disciplined Technician
If India needs an answer to the stability of Josh Hazlewood, Prince Yadav is the name that comes to mind. The 24-year-old LSG seamer has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, emphasizing discipline and intelligent line-and-length bowling over raw pace alone. His rise began in the DPL 2024, followed by a prolific List-A campaign for Delhi in the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he claimed 18 wickets in eight innings.
In the IPL 2026, Yadav has been honing his skills under the mentorship of Mohammed Shami. This tutelage is evident in his current form, where he combines traditional swing bowling with the ability to extract movement off the deck. Prince Yadav provides the tactical variety that India will desperately need in the middle overs of an ODI match, making him a cornerstone prospect for the coming years.
The Road Ahead
The transition from IPL success to international cricket is never linear, but these three pacers represent the best of the current domestic crop. By grooming Ashok Sharma for speed, Kartik Tyagi for pressure, and Prince Yadav for discipline, India can construct a bowling attack that is not only capable of filling the void left by Jasprit Bumrah’s absences but also one that can challenge the best in the world in the 2027 World Cup campaign. The focus must now shift to consistent game time and specialized fitness programs to ensure these youngsters are prepared for the international stage.
