Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are currently the go-to pair in Tests, with Hardik Pandya performing the third seamer’s role with a decent degree of success.

With Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami also in the reckoning, there is intense competition for places, with each bowler offering something different.

Most of these players are likely to play some role in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting in August, and Tendulkar said there were reasons for India to be confident.

“The current India team is constantly looking at seamers who can contribute with the bat big time,” said Tendulkar. “I think these two guys (Pandya and Kumar) have contributed crucial runs every now and then.

“Hardik has just got into the side, but Bhuvi is contributing brilliantly and that contribution changes the balance of the team in a positive manner.

“The ball doesn’t get old enough to reverse. The bowlers’ hands are tied in the death overs. Earlier, the bowlers heavily relied on reverse swing; they had something to look forward to once the ball started getting scuffed up. Right now, with two new balls, that is not happening.

“Reverse swing has always been an integral part of cricket, both in Tests and ODIs. Since the introduction of two new balls, one has not seen the ball reverse. That element has been taken away from the game. It’s not healthy.”