![\"'Bumrah](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130276212,imgsize-827033,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/130276212.jpg\" "\\"Munaf")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIndia\u2019s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah<\/a> is widely regarded as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket today, with his impact and stature often placing him alongside icons like Virat Kohli<\/a> in terms of influence. However, former India pacer and current Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel<\/a> offered a candid and thought-provoking perspective on Bumrah\u2019s popularity and the broader fast-bowling ecosystem in India.Speaking on TOI Sports\u2019 Bombay Exchange Podcast, Munaf acknowledged Bumrah\u2019s superstar status but pointed out that the level of mass appeal still differs when compared to a batter like Kohli. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018We lost momentum\u2019 \u2013 Mahela on MI\u2019s defeat and key mistakes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n ”How will that happen sir? Look at Virat Kohli’s popularity and Bumrah’s popularity. There is a difference,” Munaf Patel said. \u201cBumrah is a star, no doubt, but there is still a difference when you compare his popularity with someone like Virat Kohli,\u201d he added. The conversation soon shifted from individual stardom to a deeper issue, the development of fast bowlers in India. Munaf highlighted a systemic challenge, stressing that while India has begun producing bowlers with higher speeds, there remains a gap in awareness, training, and proper guidance at the grassroots level.He made a striking observation about pace being the primary currency in modern cricket.\u201cIf you ask me to find bowlers who can bowl at 125 kmph, I can bring many. But if you ask for bowlers who can consistently hit 140+, they are very rare,\u201d he explained. \u201cAnd the reality is, if you bowl 140+, you won\u2019t go unnoticed. There\u2019s almost no chance.\u201dMunaf went on to underline what he believes is a paradox in Indian cricket, despite the clear demand for genuine pace, many aspiring fast bowlers are not being groomed effectively to reach those speeds.\u201cIt\u2019s actually the easiest pathway right now,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you are a fast bowler who can hit 135\u2013140+, you can get into the Indian team quickly. But if you bowl at 125, no matter how much you swing the ball, you may not even get picked in IPL auctions.\u201dHe also questioned whether enough is being done at institutional levels to nurture fast bowlers scientifically. Referring to facilities like the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Munaf emphasized the need for structured training involving coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists to help bowlers increase pace safely and effectively.\u201cYou need to understand how to build that pace, strength, technique, workload management. Who is teaching that? That\u2019s where the focus should be,\u201d he added.Munaf\u2019s remarks reflect a broader conversation in Indian cricket, one that balances the celebration of world-class talents like Bumrah with the urgent need to build a sustainable pipeline of high-quality fast bowlers for the future.<\/div>\n\n