It's always a treat to see fast bowlers thrive on pitches in the SENA nations. So far, the ongoing series in New Zealand has gone well for the Indian cricket team. Since the emergence of the Indian Premier League, batting has rarely looked like an area of concern for the team. However, the bowling attack has largely remained dependent on a few individuals.

The ongoing ODI series against New Zealand is showcasing a new set of Indian bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj, and Gurnoor Brar.

A fresh pace bowling combination is making for India

Nabi picked up his maiden ODI wicket today (November 7) in Wellington. He was impressive in the previous match as well but wasn't fortunate enough to pick up any wickets.

Arshdeep Singh is now an experienced bowler and the leader of the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Gurnoor Brar has also been delivering consistently since making his Team India debut.

Another fast bowler in the present set-up, Anshul Kamboj, might have surprised everyone with his performances in the series. With each of the aforementioned pacers picking up wickets while maintaining a good economy rate against New Zealand in New Zealand, can it be said that India's search for the perfect seam-bowling combination has finally come to an end ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup? Maybe not. Here are some key takeaways from the current set of pace bowlers.

Key takeaways from the present set of pace bowlers:

1. Auqib Nabi

Since his historic bowling spell for Jammu and Kashmir in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 triumph, Auqib Nabi has instantly become a crowd favourite. He can generate swing, move the ball sideways, and maintain a disciplined line and length. Nabi has almost every element required to succeed on South African pitches as well. However, his pace remains a concern.

Pitches in South Africa are generally characterised by hard surfaces and a layer of grass, which helps pacers generate extra pace, bounce, and movement. Indian bowlers like Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, and S Sreesanth, who have picked up four- and five-wicket hauls for India in South Africa, were capable of bowling around 135-140 kmph. Zaheer and Ishant could even touch 145 kmph during their prime.

The deliveries on which Nabi picked up wickets in the second ODI in Wellington clocked 128 and 129 kmph. He will have to work on his pace in the coming days.

2. Anshul Kamboj

There is a visible difference between the Anshul Kamboj who made his Test debut for India in Manchester in 2025 and the version of Kamboj bowling in New Zealand. When he made his Test debut, he was a skilful but relatively unpolished talent. Now, he looks much more experienced and better equipped to handle international cricket.

He, who once struggled to maintain an average pace of 130 kmph, is currently delivering at around 134-135 kmph. How he manages to carry this momentum in the coming days will be interesting to see. Over the years, India has produced multiple pacers, but very few have managed to retain their places in the national team for an extended period. Kamboj's training and workload management will play a vital role in shaping his career ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

3. Gurnoor Brar

In the present set of bowlers, after Arshdeep Singh, Brar is among the pacers who have established themselves in the Indian bowling attack. His rise on the international stage was itself a somewhat surprising decision by the selectors and team management. Raw pace has never been an issue for him.

Gurnoor Brar is not primarily a swing bowler like Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj. Instead, he can hit the hard length and generate pace in excess of 140 kmph. His extra pace, combined with a little bit of movement, is causing problems for batters in New Zealand and could prove equally effective in South Africa.

Brar could resemble former Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who dismissed Jean-Paul Duminy, Quinton de Kock, Ryan McLaren, and Henry Davids during an ODI match in Centurion in 2013.

4. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is the most experienced bowler in the current group of Indian pacers playing against New Zealand. He might not have hit his best form in the ongoing series yet, but technically, he has all the tools required to succeed in SENA nations.

The fast bowler possesses pace, control, and seam movement, and needs to consistently hit the right areas on the pitch. He hasn't been leaking too many runs, but picking up wickets will be important for strengthening his case for the 2027 ODI World Cup.