Not Siraj, veteran Pakistani cricketer became a fan of this bowler of Team India, called him the best

Waqar Younis Declares Jasprit Bumrah the Best Bowler in Cricket History, Even Ahead of Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pace legend Waqar Younis has heaped extraordinary praise on Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him “the greatest bowler the game has ever seen.” The remark comes even as India’s Mohammad Siraj has been earning accolades for his match-winning spells in the recently concluded Test series against England.

The gripping five-match India–England Test series kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats, with each game delivering high drama and nail-biting finishes. In the final Oval Test, Siraj’s fiery spell sealed a memorable win for India. While Siraj’s brilliance has dominated headlines, Waqar Younis chose to spotlight Bumrah’s unmatched skills and cricketing intellect.

Waqar’s Big Statement
From 1989 to 2003, Waqar Younis was a fearsome presence in world cricket, claiming 373 wickets in 87 Tests and 416 wickets in 262 ODIs for Pakistan. Known for his reverse swing mastery, Waqar’s views carry immense weight in cricketing circles.

According to former Indian opener and current commentator Aakash Chopra, the praise came during a personal conversation while the two were traveling together. On his YouTube channel, Chopra revealed that he asked Waqar if Bumrah could be compared to legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram. Waqar’s response was emphatic:

“No, he is better than all of us. At his age, our cricketing minds weren’t this sharp. His skill set and thinking are on another level. He is the greatest bowler the world has seen.”

Waqar’s statement not only puts Bumrah in elite company but elevates him above Pakistan’s most celebrated bowlers, including Akram himself.

Bumrah’s Stunning Career So Far
Since making his international debut in January 2016 against Australia in Sydney, Jasprit Bumrah has redefined fast bowling for India. His unique action, lethal yorkers, and ability to adapt across formats have made him a match-winner on every stage.

• Test Cricket: 48 matches, 219 wickets

• ODIs: 89 matches, 149 wickets

• T20Is: 70 matches, 89 wickets

Bumrah played a key role in India’s journey to the finals of both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up two wickets in each final. In the recent India–England Test series, he took 14 wickets in just three matches. His performance in the 2024–25 Border–Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was nothing short of phenomenal, bagging 32 wickets in five Tests.

His stellar 2024 season earned him the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year awards, cementing his status as one of the modern greats.

Why Bumrah Stands Out
Experts often highlight Bumrah’s ability to bowl with precision at any stage of the game—be it with the new ball, in the middle overs, or under extreme pressure at the death. His mental resilience, combined with an analytical approach to batsmen’s weaknesses, gives him a rare edge. Waqar Younis’s acknowledgment underlines that Bumrah’s greatness is not just about numbers, but also about his cricketing brain and adaptability.

As India gears up for upcoming tournaments, Bumrah’s form will be pivotal to their success. For now, receiving such a compliment from one of Pakistan’s most respected fast-bowling icons is a testament to how the 31-year-old from Ahmedabad has transcended national rivalries to earn global respect.