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mm Behind every star-studded team lies a group of silent workers — the net bowlers. They bowl endlessly in practice sessions, help top-order batters prepare, and often fade into anonymity. But occasionally, a few of these hard-working cricketers break out of the nets and into the limelight.
This article dives into the top 10 net bowlers who went from being backroom support to national heroes — a true testament to perseverance and opportunity.
1. T Natarajan – From Practice Bowlers to T20I Sensation
Before India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia, T Natarajan was just a net bowler. But injuries opened the door, and the left-arm yorker machine stepped up in style.
His Journey:
- Originally selected as a net bowler for the tour
- Ended up debuting in all three formats in the same series
- 6 wickets in the T20I series vs Australia (2020)
Game-changing Moment: Bowling pinpoint yorkers in crunch IPL and international games, earning the nickname “Yorker King.”
2. Mohammed Siraj – From RCB Net Bowlers to Test Match Hero
Siraj began as a net bowler for the Indian team before becoming a key player in the historic 2021 Gabba Test win.
His Journey:
- Worked under Bharat Arun in Hyderabad camps
- Bowled as a net bowler in Indian camps pre-2017
- Picked for IPL, then earned his India debut in 2017
Game-changing Moment: Took 13 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar 2020-21 series — including a fifer at the Gabba.
3. Anrich Nortje – Almost a Net Bowlers in the 2019 World Cup
Nortje was on the verge of becoming a net bowler during the 2019 ICC World Cup due to injuries. Though ruled out from the squad, he stormed back to become South Africa’s pace spearhead.
His Journey:
- Missed WC 2019 due to injury, had trained as net bowler
- Came back through IPL 2020 with Delhi Capitals
- Touches 150+ km/h consistently
Game-changing Moment: Key death bowler in ICC T20 World Cups and SA’s pace attack post-2020.
4. Shivam Mavi – Net Bowlers to U-19 and Senior Debutant
Shivam Mavi trained as a net bowler in the India U-19 setup before being included in the 2018 U-19 World Cup squad — and the rest is history.
His Journey:
- Initially invited as a net bowler
- Picked for India U-19 squad (2018 WC winners)
- Later made his T20I debut for India in 2023
Game-changing Moment: 4/22 on T20I debut vs Sri Lanka in 2023.
5. Shahbaz Ahmed – From Bengal Nets to India Cap
Before donning the Indian jersey, Shahbaz Ahmed was just another domestic player helping bowl in nets. His rise was fueled by gritty performances in the IPL and Ranji Trophy.
His Journey:
- Helped national and state team players in net sessions
- Gained recognition with Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Debuted for India in ODIs in 2022
Game-changing Moment: All-round show in domestic finals and solid IPL cameos earned him the national call.
6. Prasidh Krishna – From India’s Net Bowlers to ODI Star
In 2018-19, Prasidh was frequently spotted bowling at Indian training camps. His consistent pace and bounce eventually caught the selectors’ attention.
His Journey:
- Regular net bowler in India’s ODI setup
- Debuted vs England in 2021 and picked 4 wickets
- Later selected for India’s World Cup plans
Game-changing Moment: Record-breaking 4/54 on ODI debut — best ever by an Indian debutant.
7. Harshit Rana – From KKR Nets to Wicket-Taking Machine
Harshit Rana was brought in as a net bowler for KKR, but due to injuries and internal squad reshuffles, he debuted in IPL 2022 and quickly made headlines.
His Journey:
- Started as KKR’s net bowler in early 2022
- Played his first IPL match later that season
- Became a consistent wicket-taker in IPL 2024
Game-changing Moment: Multiple match-winning spells, now in contention for India A tours.
8. Kuldeep Yadav – From Bowling in the Nets to World Cup X-Factor
Before becoming India’s mystery spinner, Kuldeep Yadav spent years toiling in nets — not just for India but also in domestic camps. He was often used to simulate left-arm wrist spin, a rare skill, during practice sessions.
His Journey:
- Trained as a net bowler in India U-19 camps
- Impressed with variations and discipline in the nets
- Earned his India debut in 2017 across formats
Game-changing Moment: Hat-trick vs Australia (2017) and 10 wickets in 2019 World Cup as India’s strike spinner.
9. Umran Malik – Nets to 150+ km/h Fast Lane
Umran Malik was first spotted as a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during IPL 2021. His raw pace shocked team management — and the rest was destiny.
His Journey:
- Initially selected as a net bowler for SRH
- Debuted in IPL 2021 due to team injuries
- Delivered 150+ km/h thunderbolts regularly
Game-changing Moment: Earned a place in India’s T20I and ODI squads within a year due to sheer pace and impact.
10. Yash Dayal – Practice Pitch to National Radar
Yash Dayal served as a net bowler for India during their home series before being picked by Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022. His calm demeanor and consistency made him one of the breakout stars.
His Journey:
- Net bowler in India’s bio-bubble squads (2020–21)
- Picked in IPL and immediately delivered solid spells
- In contention for national limited-overs call-up
Game-changing Moment: Bowled critical spells in GT’s title-winning run, proving his mettle under pressure.
What Makes Net Bowlers So Valuable?
Net bowlers are not just practice dummies — they:
- Replicate opposition bowling styles
- Help star players stay sharp
- Get hands-on coaching from national-level mentors
- Are constantly evaluated by selectors
The net bowlers to national stars journey isn’t easy — but it’s proof that grit, timing, and talent can beat the odds.
From Bowling Practice to Breaking Records
These seven cricketers remind us that success can be born in the background. Every ball bowled in the nets is a step closer to the dream. These net bowlers turned underdog stories into national pride — and inspire every aspiring cricketer watching from the sidelines.