With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 set to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, discussions around India’s ideal playing XI have already begun gathering momentum. While the batting unit appears to have a settled core, the composition of the pace attack remains one of the biggest talking points. Conditions in southern Africa are expected to assist fast bowlers with extra pace and bounce, making India’s seam combination a crucial factor in their title aspirations. As preparations continue, former Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath has weighed in on who should share the new ball with India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s spearhead, but who will support him?

There is little doubt that Bumrah will lead India’s pace attack at the 2027 World Cup if he remains fit. Over the years, the right-arm quick has established himself as one of the finest all-format bowlers in world cricket, consistently delivering breakthroughs in every phase of an innings.

However, India’s search for a dependable partner alongside Bumrah has continued. Mohammed Shami formed a highly successful combination with Bumrah in major ICC events, but the veteran pacer is no longer considered a long-term option as the selectors look towards the future. Mohammed Siraj has also shared the new ball with Bumrah on numerous occasions and has enjoyed periods of success, but he too has entered the veteran phase of his career.

As a result, the Indian team management has been evaluating younger fast bowlers capable of complementing Bumrah over the next World Cup cycle. The ideal candidate would not only provide support with the new ball but also exploit the lively conditions expected in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Among the emerging contenders, one name has particularly impressed McGrath.

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Glenn McGrath identifies Bumrah’s ideal partner

Former Australian fast-bowling great McGrath believes Prasidh Krishna possesses all the qualities needed to become Bumrah’s long-term bowling partner in ODI cricket. McGrath praised the Karnataka pacer for the significant improvements he has made in recent years and highlighted his ability to extract bounce because of his height.

“I’m a big fan of Prasidh. If he gets his length right, he’s got everything going for him. He has really matured. He’s tall, bowls in good areas, generates bounce and has genuine pace. Occasionally he’s a little short, but apart from that, I think he’s the whole package. He’s really developed and put his potential into performance,” McGrath said as quoted by The Times of India.

McGrath’s endorsement carries considerable weight given his status as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. His comments suggest that Prasidh has evolved from a promising prospect into a bowler capable of thriving on the biggest stage.

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