Tall fast bowlers offer us a little bit more: Shubman Gill

India captain Shubman Gill said the team management is prioritising the development of a pool of tall fast bowlers ahead of next year's ODI World Cup, even if that means persisting with less experienced options in the short term.

India had struggled to make breakthroughs during the middle-overs phase in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, but Gill insisted the team's selection is focused on building a pace attack capable of creating opportunities even when conditions are not in the bowlers' favour.

"Honestly, with the combinations and the kind of bowlers we are trying to play, we are trying to create as many opportunities as we can. In that middle phase, once the ball gets old on a good wicket with only four fielders outside, batting gets very easy. That's the idea behind having someone like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, even Harshit Rana. Tall fast bowlers offer a little bit more to us.

"Someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy, it's important to give him those overs in the middle, even if we have better bowlers for those conditions. It's important for players like that to have confidence going into the World Cup," the India captain noted in Chennai after India swept the series 3-0.

Gill's comments came after Prasidh Krishna's maiden ODI fifer following an expensive outing earlier in the series. Prasidh, who bowls under Gill's leadership at Gujarat Titans, was nearly unplayable with the new ball in Chennai, claiming 4 for 6 in his five-over Powerplay burst. He finished with 5 for 23 in 8.2 overs.

The India captain hinted Prasidh's role may change going forward, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah expected to return. Gill noted the team wants seamers to remain adaptable rather than tied to specific roles.

"It's about being flexible. There is not a certain role. When we go to England, hopefully Bumrah bhai comes back. He will bowl the new ball if needed. Prasidh could be one-change bowler or bowl with the new ball. We encourage bowlers to go all out. We give them 3-4 over spells, and tell them to bowl their heart out, bowl as fast as they can."

Brar was the find of the series for the hosts. The debutant pacer returned figures of 3-27 and 3-60 in the first two games. While pleased with the youngster's performance, Gill said there were aspects of his game that would improve with experience.

"He ticked most of the boxes, but some things you only learn with experience. If I have to be critical, he went for a few runs and was a bit inconsistent at times. But he is young, playing his first series, bowling quick. He has all the good signs we want from a young, tall fast bowler."

Gill said the emergence of quick bowlers consistently operating above 140kph was a positive sign for Indian cricket.

"Very encouraging signs for Indian cricket that we can keep grooming fast bowlers who can bowl at that pace consistently. We have a good bunch of fast bowlers who can bowl 140 plus, are tall, can hit those areas and create opportunities with the old ball when there's nothing much from the wicket or conditions."