So many Batsmen! Why not as many ...

Why does India not produce as many fast bowlers as Pakistan?

This question I am sure has crossed the mind of every Indian cricket follower some time or the other. More so because the playing conditions in the two countries are quite similar.

Both countries have produced some great cricketers who have enjoyed huge fan following all over the world and especially in their respective countries have been elevated to being role models for aspiring athletes.

“Whom would you like to become when you grow up?” Ask this question to any young kid in India who is pursuing a dream in the sport and he will most probably say Sachin Tendulkar. About a decade back, a kid would have answered a bit differently and taken the name of Sunil Gavaskar.

Ask the same question to a kid across the border and he would without much doubt take the name of Imran Khan or Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis.

If you look back, most of India’s world beaters in the game have been batsmen. Starting as far back as C.K. Nayudu, Poly Umrigar, Vijay Manjrekar, Tiger Pataudi, the four legendary spinners of the 60’s and 70’s, Dilip Sardesai, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Vishwanath, Sachin. We can see how lonely Kapil is in this list.

Now, look at Pakistan and the names that come to your mind are Imran Khan, Javaid Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and now, Shoaib Akhtar.

As its eminent, the bigger heroes in Pakistan have been fast bowlers.

Champions in a sport often pay role models to the budding next generation. They are looked up to by youngsters who often attempt to emulate their feats.

If there would not have been an Imran, there may not have been a Wasim, a Waqar.

Similarly, if there would not have been a Sunil, there may not have been a Sachin, a Sehwag.

Champions breed champions.