Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has drawn a striking comparison between Jasprit Bumrah and legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, praising India’s premier fast bowler for his remarkable evolution across formats. Speaking in an interview with India Today, Maharoof highlighted how Bumrah has grown from a raw talent into a complete match-winner whose impact mirrors the aura Akram carried during his peak.
Maharoof, remembered by Indian fans for his hat-trick against the Men in Blue in the 2010 Asia Cup, recalled his first-hand experience of facing Bumrah during the 2014 Champions League T20 clash in Raipur. Representing Southern Express against the Mumbai Indians, he witnessed a young Bumrah in action. Reflecting on that encounter, he explained how the bowler has transformed dramatically since then.
“I remember when I played against Jasprit in the Champions League, around 2013 or 2014. What I see now is a huge difference. Earlier, he was mainly an inswing bowler to right-handers, but today he has mastered the outswing as well. If you ask batters around the world which bowler troubles them the most, many will say Jasprit Bumrah. That’s exactly the kind of reputation Wasim Akram had in his prime,” Farveez Maharoof said.
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While several critics have aimed Bumrah for missing matches due to injuries, Maharoof chose empathy over criticism. Drawing from his own career as a fast bowler, he underlined the immense physical strain pacers endure and urged the BCCI to manage Bumrah’s workload with utmost care.
“He has been outstanding, but unfortunately, his back issues keep recurring. Being a fast bowler myself, I understand the toll it takes. Every delivery puts more than three times the body weight through a bowler’s frame — back, knees, ankles, everything comes under stress. That’s why it’s so important for the BCCI to handle him wisely. A bowler like Bumrah is rare, and India must look to extend his international career for as long as possible,” Farveez Maharoof explained.
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The discussion comes at a time when Bumrah has been under the spotlight for featuring in only three out of five Tests during India’s recent tour of England. Many former cricketers criticised him for prioritising the Mumbai Indians in the IPL over international commitments. However, with Maharoof’s words adding perspective, the debate on player workload has once again gained traction.
Looking ahead, Bumrah will be a key figure for India in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE, where the Men in Blue have been grouped alongside Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE. As expectations mount, his fitness and workload management will be as crucial as his skill with the new ball.
