Indian bowlers need to prove doubters wrong ahead of World Cup

New Delhi: India's pace battery have looked awry since the four-match Test series against Australia and the bad form has continued in the ODI series too. With the World Cup starting in February, pundits and fans alike have cited India's lack of good quick bowlers would hurt them in the coveted event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

After a 0-2 Test series loss, India's fortunes haven't gone with them as the bowlers looked out of rhythm in both games against Australia and England. India lost both the matches to lie rocked bottom in the ODI tri-series and is in a must win situation against England to qualify for the finals.

Where England and Australian bowlers have used the surface well and have extracted success out of the pitch, Indian bowlers have been awry in length and line and have bowled inconsistently in good channels. The likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav who disappointed during the Tests, have continued to go in the same direction. Umesh has been the weakest link amongst India's options and a lot will lie on the shoulders of Ishant Sharma and Bhuvnshwar Kumar.

Bhuvneshwar has been economical but hasn't got early successes. Ishant is yet to bowl in the ODI series and will need to get back to rhythm as soon as possible. Wayward Shami or Yadav could pave a place for medium pacer Stuart Binny in India's main line-up.

The Indian spin attack too has failed to click as a partnership so far. Axar Patel looks highly inexperienced in these circumstances and the fitness of Ravindra Jadeja would be crucial. Ravichandran Ashwin meanwhile, has been touch too negative and need to show why he should lead the bowling department.

India play England on 30th of January in a must win scenario and a lot will depend on the bowlers in how they shape up the game. Bowling tight and simple needs to be the first priority and there would be many boxes too where the think tank need to tick it right.

With likes of Pakistan, West Indies and South Africa in India's World Cup group, the bowling unit need to sort themselves quickly.