Aqib Javed shares his views on Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s bowling traits

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed has put forward his opinions on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah, drawing a comparison between the duo. Bumrah has been a fulcrum of the Indian bowling attack across formats since 2016. Afridi, on the other hand, made his international debut in 2018 after his impressive show in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand in the same year.

Javed, who played 22 Tests and 163 ODIs from 1988 to 1998, reckons that while Bumrah is the better death bowler, as far as bowling with the new ball is concerned, Shaheen trumps the right-arm Indian seamer.

“[Jasprit] Bumrah is a really good bowler who is good at everything. Right, now he is better than Shaheen [Afridi] in terms of death bowling. Although, with the new ball, Shaheen is ahead of him,” Javed was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan.

Bumrah is presently taking part in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) where he is representing Mumbai Indians (MI). Afridi plays for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Pakistan should manage Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload carefully: Javed

Shaheen is currently plying his trade in the four-match T20I series against South Africa that is currently locked at 1-0 after two games at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Javed said that the Pakistan team management shouldn’t wear Afridi down by making him play every other game.

“It is injustice with Shaheen to make him play every match. Pakistan team should manage his workload carefully. They should not play him when the team has lost the series or adopt a proper rotation policy. Shaheen should only play those matches which are important,” he stated.

Earlier, Javed also shared his views on Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, saying that the latter has a better range of strokes. But he also said that the Lahore-born Babar has the potential to get better if he can match Kohli’s fitness standards.

“When you look at Babar, you don’t see any weak areas. Just like, [Sachin] Tendulkar who also didn’t have any weak areas. Babar is technically more safe and sound but if he follows Kohli’s fitness routine he will become an even better player,” Javed added.