Cricket World Cup 2019: India’s bowling attack is lethal like never before

• Jasprit Bumrah is the No. 1 ranked bowler in the world
  
  
• Kuldeep Yadav, with 65 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker since 2018
  
  
• Kuldeep & Yuzvendra Chahal have similar records in New Zealand, England, South Africa, and Australia
  
  
• Bhuveshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami are among top 5 wicket-takers in 2019
  

Unlike previous editions of the Cricket World Cup, India goes into the tournament with one of the more balanced and consistent bowling attacks. In Jasprit Bumrah, they have the No. 1 ranked bowler in the ICC’s (International Cricket Council’s) one-day international (ODI) rankings.

The rankings are calculated by a pre-programmed algorithm that considers the match circumstance, making Bumrah a high-impact performer. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal’s intelligent and deceptive bowling-- regardless of pitch conditions-- has ensured that they topped the wicket takers’ charts since 2018.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami have had an excellent 2019, with the latter enjoying his comeback stint. Ravindra Jadeja may not feature at the top of the charts, but his overall record in England makes him a potent threat.

Table: Top wicket-takers since 2018 (among players featuring in the World Cup)



Apples to apples

How the bowlers performed in New Zealand, England, South Africa, and Australia, the NESA countries-- ones that have similar seamer-friendly playing conditions -- could be an indication of what may lie in store in the World Cup.

India’s bowlers have performed fairly well in these countries. However, it’s the spinners who continue to dominate. Hardik Pandya is one rung above Jasprit Bumrah, having featured in double the matches.

Table: Top wicket-takers in NESA countries since 2018 (among those featuring in the World Cup)





Recent Form


Bhuvneshwar and Shami, as evidenced by their performances thus far in 2019, have struck form at just the right time. With four of their bowlers among the top 10 wicket takers in 2019, India will hope they carry their momentum through the World Cup.


Table: Top 10 wicket-takers in 2019 (among those featuring in the World Cup)