Shamar Joseph's remarkable bowling performance against Australia in the Brisbane Test has ignited a wave of excitement among Indian cricket fans, with many taking to social media to express their admiration and playfully suggest a "trade" with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Joseph's seven-wicket haul in the second innings led the West Indies to a historic victory, their first Test win in Australia in nearly three decades, and his raw pace and unwavering determination left a lasting impression.
The calls for a hypothetical trade center around Indian pacers Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, both of whom have shown promise but have struggled with consistency and injuries. While the suggestions are lighthearted, they reflect a genuine desire among fans to see India unearth and nurture a bowler with Joseph's x-factor.
Shamar Joseph's story is one of perseverance and dedication. Before his Test debut, he worked as a security guard, and his journey to international cricket is an inspiring tale. In his debut series against Australia in 2024, he picked up 13 wickets. His 7 for 68 in the second innings at the Gabba helped the West Indies win the match by eight runs. He was named the ICC Men's Player of the Month for January 2024 and also received his first international retainer contract from Cricket West Indies. In February 2024, Joseph was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season for ₹3 crore, replacing England's Mark Wood.
Prasidh Krishna, a tall and fiery pacer from Karnataka, has shown glimpses of brilliance. He made a memorable ODI debut in 2021, taking four wickets against England. However, he has also been plagued by injuries, including stress fractures. Krishna was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, with 17 wickets in 8 matches. In the IPL, Krishna has played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals before joining Gujarat Titans in 2025. In 66 IPL matches, Krishna has taken 74 wickets.
Shardul Thakur, known as a utility player, has the ability to hit big shots and deliver in crucial situations. In his 11 Test matches for India, Thakur has claimed 31 wickets and scored 331 runs. However, he has often been criticized for his lack of consistency. Thakur was initially criticized for his lack of height for a fast bowler and for being overweight, but he eventually became a part of the Mumbai domestic team. Shardul Thakur will replace an injured Mohsin Khan in the Lucknow Super Giants squad for TATA IPL 2025. In 105 IPL matches, he has taken 107 wickets.
The comparison between Joseph and the Indian pacers is not meant to demean the latter but rather to highlight the qualities that make Joseph stand out. His raw pace, aggressive approach, and ability to perform under pressure are attributes that Indian fans admire and hope to see in their own fast bowlers.
Ultimately, player trades between international teams are not permissible. However, the admiration for Shamar Joseph's talent is evident.