Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket, particularly in white-ball formats. His ability to deliver under pressure has earned him recognition from players and experts across the world. However, Pakistan fast-bowling legend Waqar Younis believes Bumrah still has more to prove in Test cricket, despite his outstanding performances in T20Is and ODIs.
During a podcast conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Younis praised Bumrah’s impact in limited-overs cricket but questioned whether the Indian pacer had played enough Test matches to establish himself among the greatest red-ball bowlers of his generation. “There’s no modern-day bowler of the same calibre as Bumrah with the white ball. Leave out Test cricket. He still has a lot to prove in Tests. He hasn’t played as much,” Waqar Younis said on the Shubhankar Mishra podcast.
The former Pakistan captain acknowledged that Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with several English fast bowlers, have also made significant contributions across formats. However, he singled out Bumrah’s ability to influence crucial moments in limited-overs matches as a major strength.
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“There are plenty of others, like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. You can’t ignore some of the English bowlers either. But when you talk about T20 and one-day cricket, I feel that in terms of impact, Bumrah always delivers in crunch scenarios. And that’s what matters,” he added.
Bumrah’s Test career has been affected by injuries and workload management, which have occasionally limited his participation in the longest format. Despite these challenges, he has established an impressive red-ball record, claiming 234 wickets in 52 Tests at an average of 19.7, according to the figures provided. He also became the fastest Indian pacer to reach 150 Test wickets in 34 matches, while Younis achieved the milestone in 27 Tests.
Younis also recalled Bumrah’s match-winning contribution during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. His spell against Pakistan in New York proved particularly decisive, with the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan shifting the momentum in India’s favour during a tense contest.
“Whenever an Indian captain is in trouble, he always gives the ball to Bumrah. Pakistan had no business losing in New York. The required rate was well under control,” Waqar Younis said.
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He further explained how Bumrah’s intervention changed the game and highlighted the importance of players who can influence high-pressure situations. “That over in which Bumrah dismissed Rizwan proved to be the difference. Impact players are the key players. A top player can motivate others who too feel that we have to match him,” he added.
Bumrah finished the 2024 T20 World Cup as Player of the Tournament, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17. His performances reinforced his reputation as a dependable bowler in decisive moments.
While Younis remains convinced of Bumrah’s white-ball brilliance, his comments underline the distinction between limited-overs dominance and a lasting Test legacy. Bumrah’s red-ball achievements are already significant, and continued performances in the format will further shape his standing among cricket’s elite fast bowlers.
