Legendary Pakistani pacer and former captain Wasim Akram has heaped praise on India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, hailing him as a modern-day great. Akram, who claimed 502 ODI wickets and 414 Test wickets during his illustrious career, stressed that while comparisons between eras are difficult, Bumrah’s impact is undeniable.
Bumrah made his international debut against Australia in an ODI in Sydney on January 23, 2016. Since then, he has featured in 48 Tests, 89 ODIs, and 70 T20Is, claiming 219, 149, and 89 wickets respectively. Currently ranked at the top of the ICC Test bowler rankings, Bumrah also clinched the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2024, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s finest pacers.
During a recent appearance on Pakistan’s GEOTV show Haarna Mana Hai, Akram was asked about comparisons between himself and Bumrah.
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“Jasprit Bumrah is a wonderful bowler. He has an odd action and pace, and credit to the Indian cricket board for managing him well. Comparisons between the 90s and now are impossible. I was a left-armer, he’s right-handed. He is a modern-day great. I did my job in my era, and he’s doing an exceptional job in his,” Wasim Akram said.
Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron also lauded Bumrah, pointing out his dominance in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. “Calling him a genius would be an understatement. He has now gone past Wasim Akram in terms of wickets taken in SENA countries. That says it all,” Aaron remarked.
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Bumrah, who played three Tests during India’s recent away series in England, is set to lead India’s pace attack in the 2025 Asia Cup. His last T20I appearance came in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa on June 29, 2024, where he picked up two wickets in his full quota of four overs. With his unique bowling action, deadly accuracy, and ability to deliver under pressure, Bumrah continues to reinforce his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
