Touted as the fastest bowler in India, Punjab's Vikram Singh grabbed the attention of former India players with an impressive spell for India 'A' against India Seniors in the opening game of the Challenger Series at Chandigarh's PCA stadium on Monday.
Javagal Srinath, in Mohali as a TV commentator, was floored by the performance of the young right-arm pacer, despite him taking only one wicket -- of Irfan Pathan -- for 63 runs off ten overs.
"There is a good crop of young fast bowlers and you got to see how they perform at the international level. I think Vikram Singh was very impressive during the opening tie," said the former India fast bowler.
"He bowled a splendid spell against the India Seniors, where players of Sachin Tendulkar's class were playing. Rotation policy can apply only when you bowl a lot and you need rest because of the heavy schedule. But, unfortunately, our fast bowlers are breaking down consistently; they will have to work on their injuries."
"He is the only paceman who has bowled at 140 kilometers an hour. That goes to prove that he is a genuine fast bowler," said Arun Lal, another former India player doing television commentary for the Challenger Series.
The 20-year-old Punjab bowler, better known as VRV, took to cricket 11 years ago with only one aim: to bowl fast and furious like Kapil Dev.
"I started playing cricket in 1994, and former India captain Kapil Dev is my inspiration. I wanted only to be a fast bowler and I am glad that I have been able to reach this stage," VRV told rediff.com at the Mohali cricket stadium on Tuesday.
"I am indebted to all the great players who spoke highly of me, but I have lot to work on. I belong to Kapil Paaji's city, Chandigarh. I wish I could emulate him in even small measure. I would be delighted if I could do that."
Former India all-rounder Robin Singh also spoke highly of the youngster.
"I am very impressed by his bowling and I hope he bowls even quicker, because he is very strong and has good shoulders and the potential of being a good quick bowler," he said.
But the coach of the India 'A' team, Sandeep Patil, was a little cautious while talking about lad under him.
"He is good, but one performance is not just enough. He has to bowl well consistently and only then we can say something. He has to work very hard," he said, pointing towards VRV, standing right next to him.