India, Aug. 30 -- Indian cricket was searching hard for fast bowlers at the beginning of the 2000s when a tall, wiry Mumbai quick suddenly appeared with something instantly recognisable about him. The upright approach, high bowling arm and economical action bore such a resemblance to Glenn McGrath that comparisons with the Australian great followed almost immediately. Contemporary reports described the action as "McGrath-esque" and even "almost identical", while the young pacer had himself studied and modelled aspects of his bowling on McGrath.

The resemblance might have attracted attention, but the wickets ensured it was not merely a curiosity. A 2002-03 Ranji Trophy season brought 28 wickets from only six matches, before an India A tou...