A strong new-ball pace attack is important to have an early impact on the game. Teams spend consciously to improve this area. Especially with the Impact Player Rule, teams can have specialist new-ball bowlers in the playing XI. On that note, here, we take a look at three teams with the best new-ball pace attack for IPL 2024.
Note: The new-ball attack has been decided keeping in mind the likely combination that the team could field. For instance, although Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley form a potent attack, they might not play as Yash Dayal could share the new ball with Siraj.
1) Mumbai Indians – Jasprit Bumrah and Dilshan Madushanka
Mumbai Indians can afford three foreign bowlers. If that is the case, then Dilshan Madushanka is likely to feature in the playing XI.
While we all know about Bumrah, Madushanka is also a great new-ball bowler. He can also bowl at other phases but Madushanka’s strength is the new ball.
2) Gujarat Titans – Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav
Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav make the Gujarat Titans one of the teams with the best new-ball pace attack for IPL 2024. With GT having two foreign spinners, it might be hard for a foreign pacer in the playing XI.
May be, this was the reason why they went hard for Umesh Yadav. While his performances are debatable at the other phases, with the new ball, Umesh is a force. Especially at Ahmedabad, he could be even more dangerous.
3) Punjab Kings – Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh
PBKS had a similar new-ball duo in IPL 2023. The management is likely to back them again because both Rabada and Arshdeep are in better form now.
Both these players have skills to use if the bowl stops swinging early, as well. Also, we might also have this duo bowl at the death, too.
