Former Pakistani fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has reserved big praise for star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and said that the 31-year-old cricketer from Ahmedabad is the best bowler in the world at present times. Sarfraz Nawaz, one of the chief exponents of reverse swing bowling, was never known to mince words, whether it was about cricket or Imran Khan. He spoke to Cricbuzz about the Pakistan team, their pacers, the Champions Trophy, and Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 on February 11 due to a lower back injury, sits at the No. 1 position in the ICC Test bowler’s rankings, and he also played a big role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 title win. For his super show with the ball in both Tests and T20Is last year, Jasprit Bumrah won ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year awards in 2024.
Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out Champions Trophy 2025 due to back injury sustained in BGT 2024-25
The former Pakistan pacer and politician Sarfraz Nawaz has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the best bowler in the world right now. Jasprit Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy, lethal pace, and game-changing ability make Jasprit Bumrah one of the most dangerous bowlers of all time across the formats.
Jasprit Bumrah has already cemented his legacy as the biggest match-winner of the modern era, and his unplayable yorkers are just a nightmare for batters, with which he can turn the game in India’s favor in any conditions and any phase of the game.
The Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah recently had a remarkable Test tour of Australia, and he could have made a bigger impact in Dubai if he were available for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to back issues, and Nawaz lamented that fans across the globe missed an opportunity to see the Indian pacer’s brilliance.
Pakistan legend Sarfraz Nawaz in praise of Jasprit Bumrah, laments his absence in Champions Trophy 2025
Former Pakistan seam-bowling legend Sarfraz Nawaz has heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, claiming the India pacer to be the best bowler in the world today. The retired cricketer also lamented the right-arm pacer’s absence in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, saying it would have been a treat to watch him.
Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury has kept him out of the eight-team tournament as the selectors decided to keep him in cotton wool, especially with plenty of cricket coming this year. The 31-year-old was outstanding during the recently concluded Test series in Australia, picking up 32 wickets in five matches, averaging 13.06.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Nawaz claimed:
“I must tell you, he is the best bowler in the world today. Unfortunately, he’s not fit. Otherwise, we could have seen more of him, you know, like he did in Australia. Outstanding job. It’s a shame that he’s not fit for this Champions Trophy.”
The 76-year-old also shared his thoughts on Shaheen Shah Afridi, stating that the Pakistan bowler lost the rhythm he once had due to the injury he suffered a while ago. Nawaz said:
“Since he had an injury some time ago, he has not been the same bowler. His pace has dropped, and his line and length are not the same. He could not bowl too many deliveries like the one he bowled to your captain Sharmaji (Rohit Sharma). And towards the end, he was gone. He gives away too many runs.”
The left-arm pacer did take two wickets in the game against India but leaked 74 runs off his eight overs and went wicketless against New Zealand in the first game. The defending champions finished at the bottom of the points table in Group A without a win in three games.
Sarfraz Nawaz, one of the chief exponents of reverse swing, felt Mohammad Rizwan looked off-color during the toss ahead of facing India and reckoned pressure might have got to him. He added:
“There’s no doubt about that. When I watched the toss, I saw the reaction of the Pakistan captain (Mohammad Rizwan). He looked lost somewhere. I don’t know if it was due to pressure but he didn’t look the same as he generally does.
“Unlike in other matches, he wasn’t blabbering at all; he was just quiet. I don’t know what went wrong there. Pakistan’s selection was very poor. If there is no proper selection and a proper team is not picked, the other team will always be far ahead of you.”
With Pakistan unceremoniously exiting the tournament, reports have been circulating that wholesale changes will follow.
Sarfraz Nawaz signed off by saying,
“Indian cricket is doing well because they are changing a lot of things. They have different teams, different players, and different captains for different formats. There are some outstanding players in T20Is and ODIs. They have good bench strength and can afford to rest some seniors to give youngsters a chance.”
Notably, the Men in Blue have already qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after thrashing Bangladesh and Pakistan in their first two group matches. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, the Indian team looks strong and is one of the strong favorites to win the trophy.