Sanjeev Sharma: pace must be paired with seam, swing and control for modern fast bowlers
In Kalyani on October 15, 2026, Delhi Ranji team's bowling coach Sanjeev Sharma said during his team's Ranji Trophy opener against Bengal that raw pace needs to be combined with specific skills to produce an effective fast bowler. He added that attributes such as the ability to seam, swing and cut the ball, plus control, are vital complements to speed.
With nearly 40 years of experience as player and coach, Sanjeev said the profile of fast bowling has changed and that current selection trends favour bowlers who can reach 140 kph. He noted his own international playing span, saying he donned India colours between 1988 and 1990, and observed the contemporary emphasis on pace before adding skills. “Fast bowling is different now. If you want to play for India, the first priority is, you should bowl at 140. I think if you have skills along with 140, then it’s very good,” the Delhi bowling coach told The Hindu during his team’s Ranji Trophy opener against Bengal here.
Recalling his time as Jammu & Kashmir coach, Sanjeev highlighted that raw speed without movement limited effectiveness. “When I was the coach of Jammu & Kashmir, there were several players who could bowl at 140-plus. But they didn’t have the skills. The ball didn’t move. When you play in India, you don’t get enough bounce. The batter easily picks you,” he said. He also outlined his wider playing and coaching background, noting he played professionally in Ireland, England, Bangladesh and the USA and served as a coach in Fiji, Thailand, Bangladesh and the US, and worked as chief coach of Ranji sides such as Vidarbha, J&K, Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Sanjeev listed technical and mental qualities he considers essential for pacers, stressing the need for a smooth action, high endurance, good memory and game sense. He advised bowlers to assess match specifics before choosing deliveries, saying: “You should analyse the conditions, backlift of the batter and what the scoreboard says. You should know when to bowl which delivery.”
Addressing young fast bowlers directly, Sanjeev referenced his experience in selection administration and emphasised fundamentals and off-season work. Noting a transferable value in traditional red-ball skills, he said: “The one who knows how to bowl well with a red ball can even play T10. Basics and work during off-season are really important,” he added.
The remarks were published on October 15, 2026 at 06:22 pm IST.
