India’s cricket team is facing serious challenges with its bowling performance, both pace and spin, as recent losses highlight. Once dominant at home, the team now struggles even on familiar pitches, exemplified by the Test defeat to South Africa and the ODI series loss to New Zealand. While Indian batters have shown effort and determination, the bowlers have repeatedly let the side down. With the T20 World Cup just two weeks away and the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year, concerns over India’s bowling capabilities have intensified.
India played a three-match ODI series against New Zealand, winning only the first match. The Kiwis dominated the remaining two games, capitalizing on India’s inability to trouble opposition batters. The Indian bowlers conceded an average of 6.2 runs per over, highlighting their struggle to generate pressure. While pitches were not entirely favorable, New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the same conditions effectively, leaving India’s attack ineffective even on home soil.
Team selection has been a major point of criticism. Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the series ahead of the T20 World Cup, and his absence was felt keenly. Mohammed Siraj bowled economically but could not take key wickets, while Harshit Rana took some wickets but leaked runs. Prasidh barely made an impact, and all-rounder Nitish also underperformed. Experts suggest that the return of Bumrah and Hardik Pandya is essential to strengthen India’s pace attack ahead of upcoming ICC events.
India’s spin bowlers also struggled in the series. Left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were largely ineffective, unable to contain runs or trouble batters. Kuldeep, who has previously been a match-winner, failed to replicate his past performances. Criticism has grown over team selection, particularly the choice to retain Jadeja over Akshar Patel. Questions have emerged over Jadeja’s future in ODIs given his poor recent displays.
With two major ICC tournaments approaching, India’s bowling woes—across pace and spin—pose a serious threat to the team’s competitiveness. Analysts warn that unless these issues are addressed immediately, India could face further setbacks on the international stage. Addressing team selection and restoring the bowling unit’s confidence are considered critical for success in the T20 World Cup and the 2026 ODI World Cup.