Under-19 World Cup bowling coach Paras Mhambrey thrilled by India pacers' efforts in New Zealand, but warns that speed without accuracy can be disastrous
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
The Prithvi Shaw-led India under-19 team impressed one and all with their dominating performance during the World Cup in New Zealand. The pace bowlers attracted most attention because they ran in and bowled fast on a regular basis. The sheer pace of Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi and Ishan Porel even impressed Australia's coach and 2013-14 Ashes hero, Ryan Harris. The pacers claimed 24 wickets put together and played a vital role in India's fourth U-19 World Cup triumph.
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Shivam Mavi
Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey was thrilled by their efforts, but stressed the pacers need to work harder to conquer challenges at the first-class level. "Yes, they have done well at the U-19 level; they have hit a certain speed level, but this isn't a final product. They have a lot of challenges ahead because the quality of batsmen at first-class level will be different as compared to U-19 cricket. "They will experience success, failure and eventually they will value that. It is too early for me to say they are ready. I think they will need some time," Mhambrey told mid-day yesterday.
Ishan Porel
The former India swing bowler felt accuracy is an important factor too. "I personally feel, if you have got the pace, you have to focus on that - no doubt about that. But, you can't get carried away with pace. You need to be able to hit good lengths. If you want to win games, you need guys who can bowl accurately from both the ends. You can't have someone bowling at 150kmph-plus and leaking runs. It's going to be difficult to control the game and thus difficult to win."
Nagarkoti and Mavi claimed nine wickets each from six matches in the tournament while Porel, who bowled well to outclass Pakistan with his 4-17, captured six in four games after recovering from injury. All these pacers bowled at 140kmph-plus and even surprised an opponent like Australia. Mhambrey was not surprised at the pace with which they bowled considering how the young guns trained over the last one and a half year. Fitness was a key reason too. "Anand Date, the fitness trainer, was of great help. We monitored workload in terms of fitness and felt that the pacers should be at their peak by the time they reach New Zealand. I have seen these guys from a younger age, so I am not surprised by the way they bowled," Mhambrey concluded.
9 wickets Kamlesh Nagarkoti
9 wickets Shivam Mavi
6 wickets Ishan Porel
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