Maharoof even compared Jasprit Bumrah’s impact in modern cricket to the aura Wasim Akram carried during his prime.
Farveez Maharoof Hails Jasprit Bumrah as a Modern-Day Fast-Bowling Great
Former Sri Lanka pacer Farveez Maharoof heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, calling him one of the best bowlers in the business. Maharoof highlighted how Bumrah has evolved over the years, adding new skills and variations to become a far more complete bowler than when he first started. His consistent performances across formats have often placed him among the best all-format bowlers of the modern era.
Bumrah played a key role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and has been named in the squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, marking his first T20I appearance since that victory. Maharoof recalled Bumrah’s early days, noting his development from a primarily inswing-focused bowler to one who now effectively bowls outswing as well. “If you ask 90% of the batters around the world, apart from India, who the most difficult bowler to face in any form of the game is, they say Jasprit Bumrah. That’s similar to how Wasim Akram was seen in his prime,” Maharoof told India Today.
Maharoof also emphasised the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload, citing his recurring back injuries. “Being a fast bowler myself, I understand what he is going through. It’s important for him and the BCCI to manage his workload carefully because Jasprit Bumrah is one of a kind. Players like him don’t come often, so it’s crucial to maximise his international career. Every time a fast bowler delivers a ball, more than three times their body weight goes through their body, putting immense stress on the back, knees, and ankles,” he said.
“Hope Jasprit Bumrah is well looked after”
Former Sri Lanka pacer Farveez Maharoof reflected on the immense physical demands of fast bowling while discussing Jasprit Bumrah, stressing that even the fittest bowlers are prone to injuries. He praised Bumrah’s tireless efforts during India’s Australia tour and emphasised careful workload management to prolong his career at the highest level.
“It’s a day-to-day struggle that every fast bowler faces. When you do this repeatedly over a long period, it takes a toll. For example, Jasprit played all five Tests in Australia and bowled tirelessly for many overs. That’s the after-effect that contributed to his injury in Sydney. No matter how much fitness training you do, or how fit you are, injuries are inevitable because fast bowling is the hardest job in cricket,” Maharoof said.
