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Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has stirred the cricketing world by revealing an extraordinary assessment of Jasprit Bumrah’s prowess from none other than Pakistan bowling legend Waqar Younis. According to Chopra, Younis considers the Indian pacer to be the finest bowler the world has ever seen.
Jasprit Bumrah: A bowler beyond comparison
Chopra recounted a candid conversation with Waqar, where he posed a question comparing Bumrah to legendary pacer Wasim Akram. “I asked him, ‘The entire cricket world has respect for Wasim Akram for the variations in his bowling and the control he possessed. He was par excellence. Bumrah is like right-handed Wasim Akram, right?'” Chopra shared on his YouTube channel.
Younis’s response, however, surpassed expectations: “No, he is better than all of us. We didn’t have this thinking level at his age. His skill is better, his thinking is better. He is the best that the world has ever seen.” This high praise from a maestro like Waqar underscores Bumrah’s unique talent, especially after his record-breaking feat in the recently-concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, where he bagged 14 wickets in three Tests.
Bumrah is the best bowler in the world right now across formats: Aakash Chopra
Despite such stellar endorsements, Bumrah has not been immune to scrutiny, particularly concerning his workload management. Chopra highlighted that the right-arm quick has deliberately limited his appearances, playing only three matches in a recent series, a strategy aimed at mitigating injury risks. This approach has, paradoxically, fuelled criticism among some fans.
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Chopra also touched upon earlier discussions around Bumrah’s potential captaincy, noting, “It was being asked why bowlers can’t become captains, as he was vice-captain under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and had captained in Perth and won the match as well, so he should become the captain.” He expressed dismay at the shift in public perception, stating, “From Boom Boom Bumrah, our fans have become gumrah. I am very, very surprised and sorry.”
Chopra emphatically defended Bumrah, reiterating his status as a “generational talent” who “stands head and shoulders above the rest.” He asserted Bumrah’s unparalleled standing in contemporary cricket. “He is the best bowler in the world right now across formats,” Chopra declared. He also strongly advocated for prioritizing workload management, regardless of fan sentiment. “If Bumrah plays only three matches, let him play. If workload management says that, without breaking down, I can keep Bumrah playing in important matches, I will do whatever it takes,” Chopra concluded, emphasizing the long-term value of preserving such a unique asset for Indian cricket.
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