In the golden age of cricket, bowlers have continued to evolve, adapting their skills to dominate all formats. From raw pace to cunning variations, modern cricket has produced some exceptional talents that constantly challenge batsmen around the world. Among them, some stand out for being completely revolutionary, with jasprit bumrah often hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Jasprit Bumrah: the once-in-a-generation talent
Bumrah’s rise in world cricket has been nothing short of phenomenal. His unconventional action, combined with precision, pace and impeccable cricket brain, has made him a nightmare for batsmen. Talking about his unreal talent, the former Pakistani sailor Waqar Younis explained why Bumrah is the best bowler of the modern era.
Waqar Younis explains why Bumrah is a modern legend
Waqar highlighted Bumrah’s exceptional qualities that differentiate him from other bowlers globally. He emphasized Bumrah’s unique and deceptive run, which is shorter than that of most fast bowlers, making it difficult for batsmen to anticipate the speed of the ball. Waqar also praised Bumrah’s ability to present the seam impeccably, allowing him to generate movement in the air and off the field. Additionally, Bumrah’s hyperextension, a rare physical attribute, enhances his bowling effectiveness by allowing him to gain additional bounce and pace, making him a formidable opponent.
“Look, I’m not comparing because bowlers around the world are good bowlers. Bumrah is a little different because firstly his run is short, you don’t expect the ball to come that fast. Then the way he presents the seam, his hyperextension, that really helps. And on top of that, his intelligence, he knows when to get the ball out and when to put it in.” Waqar said in a YouTube video shared by Change.
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Waqar praises Bumrah’s intelligence, captaincy attributes
Beyond his physical attributes, Waqar praised Bumrah’s intelligence and situational awareness. He noted that Bumrah’s ability to decide when to bowl the ball in or out reflects his keen cricketing acumen. This strategic brilliance, Waqar noted, was evident not only in Bumrah’s bowling but also during his stint as captain, where his understanding of the game shone. These traits, according to Waqar, make Bumrah a unique and possibly the best bowler in the world today.
“I think it is also reflected in his captaincy. “His bowling artistry was also visible in his captaincy, so I think that’s why I think he’s probably the best in the world at the moment.” Waqar added.
A nod to other talented bowlers
When asked about the best bowlers of the current era capable of reverse swing, Waqar once again emphasized Bumrah’s ability. According to him, Bumrah’s mastery of reverse swing adds another dimension to his already formidable bowling arsenal. He mentioned India Mohamed Shami and the armed youth of Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shahas players who have mastered the skill, which is often associated with the conditions of subcontinental cricket.
“In today’s era of reverse spin, it’s Bumrah again. Shami was also doing well, Shaheen was also doing well and Naseem Shah was also doing well. Whenever reverse swing is talked about, players from our subcontinent will be talked about.” Waqar added more.