Bhuvneshwar Credits Kohli-Shastri for Transforming India's Pace Culture
Former India seamer says the duo's vision for pace-friendly home pitches built a potent attack.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has credited Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for overhauling India's fast-bowling approach in Test cricket. The former pacer believes their five-year partnership as captain and coach instilled a new mindset that prioritised seam and swing even in home conditions.
Speaking on a podcast, Bhuvneshwar recalled how India traditionally relied on spin-friendly tracks at home, leaving pacers unprepared for overseas tours. Kohli and Shastri, however, deliberately pushed for pitches that assisted fast bowlers during home Tests. This long-term strategy, he said, was aimed at building a formidable pace attack capable of succeeding abroad.
Beyond the Kohli-Shastri era, Bhuvneshwar also praised the IPL for helping young Indian quicks gain exposure against world-class batters. He noted that the tournament provides a platform for raw talent to learn from international stars and coaches, ultimately shaping their development. For Bhuvneshwar, these combined efforts revolutionised red-ball cricket for pacers and laid a foundation that continues to benefit Indian cricket.