Zaheer Khan Picks Jasprit Bumrah as Best IPL Pacer Over Legends in ‘This or That’ Challenge
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan, known for his illustrious cricket career, recently participated in a ‘This or That’ challenge where he had to choose the best IPL pacer among various cricketing legends. Zaheer, who played 200 ODIs for India and took 282 wickets, including a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, made some interesting choices during the challenge.
Lalith Malinga Chosen Over Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In the challenge, Zaheer was asked to pick the best IPL pacer among several cricketers, including retired players in the tournament. Zaheer surprised many by choosing his former Mumbai Indians teammate Lasith Malinga over Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. According to Zaheer, Malinga’s impressive track record in the IPL made him the standout choice.
“I think Lasith Malinga has done quite a lot. I’ll stick with Lasith Malinga,” Zaheer stated confidently during the challenge.
Jasprit Bumrah Emerges as Top Choice
When asked to choose between Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah, Zaheer picked the latter, mentioning that he would stick with Bumrah “for now.” Zaheer also rated Bumrah higher than Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh, highlighting Bumrah’s exceptional talent and performance in the IPL.
“Arshdeep, I think at some stage we’ll catch up, but I’ll stay with Jasprit Bumrah for now,” Zaheer explained his choice.
Zaheer Khan’s Role as Mentor in IPL 2025
Aside from his analysis in the challenge, Zaheer Khan is set to take on the role of mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Having replaced Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer brings his wealth of experience and knowledge to guide the team to success.
LSG, led by captain Rishabh Pant, underwent changes ahead of the new season, including parting ways with KL Rahul and appointing Pant as the new skipper. The team will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Dominance in IPL
Jasprit Bumrah, who emerged as Zaheer Khan’s top pick in the ‘This or That’ challenge, has been one of the most lethal bowlers in IPL history. With 165 wickets in 133 matches, Bumrah has proven to be a match-winner for Mumbai Indians, delivering consistently in high-pressure situations. His performances have solidified his position as one of the best T20 bowlers globally.
As Zaheer Khan continues to make waves in the cricketing world, his insights and choices in the ‘This or That’ challenge provide valuable perspectives on the IPL’s top pacers, showcasing his keen eye for talent and expertise in the sport.
Evolution of Pacers in the IPL
Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed the evolution of fast bowlers who have become instrumental in shaping the outcome of matches. From the likes of Zaheer Khan himself to current stars like Jasprit Bumrah, the league has seen a shift in the role and impact of pacers.
Initially, the IPL was dominated by overseas pacers like Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, and Brett Lee, who brought raw pace and aggression to the tournament. However, Indian bowlers like Zaheer Khan, who combined skill with experience, slowly started to make their mark in the league. Zaheer’s ability to swing the ball and outthink batsmen set the stage for the emergence of homegrown pacers as key assets in IPL teams.
Today, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah have taken the league by storm with their unique variations, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to deliver in crunch situations. Bumrah’s unorthodox action and deadly yorkers have made him a nightmare for batsmen and a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack.
The Mentorship Factor in IPL Teams
With Zaheer Khan stepping into the role of mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, the importance of experienced players guiding younger talents comes to the forefront. Mentors like Zaheer bring a wealth of knowledge, strategy, and leadership to teams, helping players navigate the pressures of professional cricket and excel in their roles.
Zaheer’s mentorship of players like Bumrah can have a significant impact on their performance and mindset on the field. By sharing his experiences, insights, and techniques, Zaheer can shape the next generation of fast bowlers and instill in them the discipline and resilience needed to succeed at the highest level.
Looking Ahead: IPL 2025 and Beyond
As the IPL gears up for another thrilling season in 2025, fans can expect intense competition, nail-biting finishes, and standout performances from both established stars and rising talents. The league continues to serve as a platform for players to showcase their skills, test their mettle against the best, and leave a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
With Zaheer Khan’s astute observations and selections in the ‘This or That’ challenge, fans and analysts alike gain valuable insights into the mindset of a cricketing legend and the criteria used to assess the top pacers in the IPL. As the league evolves and new talents emerge, the legacy of players like Zaheer and Bumrah will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Overall, Zaheer Khan’s involvement in the IPL as a mentor and his keen eye for talent in the ‘This or That’ challenge highlight the ongoing evolution and excitement surrounding one of the most prestigious T20 tournaments in the world.
