NEW DELHI: Cricket analyst and former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has stirred debate by leaving out India’s tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi from his record of the Top 5 T20I pacers of 2024.
The choice, based mostly on standards of taking part in at the very least 10 T20Is in the 12 months and delivering constant performances towards high quality opposition, has drawn consideration, given the repute of the 2 quick-bowling superstars.
Explaining his reasoning in a YouTube video, Chopra acknowledged the brilliance of Bumrah and Shaheen however emphasised his choice standards. The important cause Bumrah was not chosen was as a result of he performed solely eight T20Is in 2024. As for Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan pacer did not make the minimize regardless of taking 36 wickets as a result of he did not fare nicely towards the highest groups.
ALSO READ: ‘He is a freak of nature’: Dinesh Karthik lauds Jasprit Bumrah’s dominance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Chopra unveiled his Top 5, putting Haris Rauf of Pakistan at No. 5. “He took three wickets against India in the World Cup, seven against New Zealand, and five against Australia in just two games. He has 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 19 and an economy of nine,” Chopra famous on his YouTube channel.
At no. 4, Chopra picked Lockie Ferguson from New Zealand, highlighting his outstanding effectivity. “He has taken 20 wickets in 10 matches with an economy of just 4.88 and an average of 9.25. His standout spell was four wickets for 12 runs against Australia.”
Sri Lanka’s rising star Matheesha Pathirana earned the third spot. “He has grown in stature, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.67 and an average of 13.25. His consistency has been exceptional,” Chopra noticed.
In a shocking transfer, Abbas Afridi of Pakistan was ranked No. 2, edging out his extra famend compatriot Shaheen. “He has picked up 30 wickets in 18 matches at an economy of less than 8.5 and an average of 14.96. He has performed consistently against strong teams,” Chopra defined.
Topping the record was India’s left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, a selection Chopra enthusiastically justified. “He has taken 36 wickets in 18 matches at an economy of 7.49 and an average of 13.5. He delivers breakthroughs with the new ball and hasn’t gone wicketless since June 27. By any parameter, he’s been the best,” Chopra mentioned.
(*5*)
