BCCI to consider three new pacers if WTC Final hopes end

The BCCI is preparing contingency plans for India's pace bowling unit ahead of the New Zealand tour. If the team's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final become impossible during the series, the board intends to accelerate the development of emerging fast bowlers.

According to a BCCI source, the management is actively considering three pacers for potential opportunities. The three players identified are Mumbai's Tushar Deshpande, Tamil Nadu's Gurjapneet Singh, and Vidarbha's Nachiket Bhute.

"If we come to know during the New Zealand tour itself that our chances of making the (WTC) final are no longer possible, we should start giving more opportunities to quicks like Tushar Deshpande, Gurjapneet Singh and Nachiket Bhute (of Vidarbha). These bowlers can generate some pace. Unless you try them out, you’re never going to find out how they respond at the highest level," The BCCI source said, as quoted by The Telegraph.

The board's focus on building depth in the pace attack reflects ongoing concerns about injury management in the fast bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah's recurring injuries have created a need for the BCCI to identify and develop alternative options for the Test team.

Gurjapneet Singh has impressed in domestic cricket with a first-class bowling average of 19.69. The Tamil Nadu bowler is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and has been a key contributor to his state's Ranji Trophy campaigns. He delivered a standout performance against Saurashtra on his Ranji Trophy debut in 2024, claiming six wickets for just 22 runs in that match in Coimbatore.

Tushar Deshpande is a right-arm medium pace bowler who has represented Mumbai in domestic cricket and has played for the Indian national team. The management is looking for bowlers capable of generating bounce off the surface, and Deshpande fits that profile.

The 31-year-old, who has played two T20Is for India, has picked up 125 wickets in 46 first-class matches at an average of 28.93. He also has a century to his name in the Ranji Trophy.

Nachiket Bhute has played 18 first-class games during his career. The 26-year-old right-arm pacer, who represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket, has 50 first-class wickets at an average of 25.38. He is also a decent batter, having scored 520 runs in 29 innings at an average of 21.66.

Over the years, India have not had too many fast bowlers who can contribute with the bat. Bhute's inclusion could help the Asian giants address that concern in the long run.