Two Eras, Two Legends: Akram Praises Bumrah’s Modern-Day Mastery

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has dismissed the never-ending comparisons between him and India's Jasprit Bumrah. He says it's "impossible" to compare bowlers of different eras. Speaking on a television show, Akram commended Bumrah's unique abilities while emphasizing that each bowler belongs to his own generation.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a wonderful bowler. He has an odd action, good pace, and is managed well by the Indian board. Comparisons between the 90s and now are impossible. He is right-handed and I was a left-armer. People keep debating on social media, but neither I care nor he cares. He is a modern-day great, and I was in my time,” Akram said.

Akram, with a total of 916 wickets, remains one of the finest exponents of reverse swing. Bumrah, with 631 wickets, is still building his legacy. Yet he has earned a reputation for deadly yorkers, sharp seam movement, and clever variations that trouble even the best batsmen in the world. His dominance in SENA countries has even earned Akram admiration from his former rivals.

Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron said Bumrah’s record overseas speaks volumes. “He has now gone past Wasim Akram in terms of wickets taken in SENA countries. That says it all for me,” Aaron remarked. Former Australian speedster Shaun Tait also highlighted Bumrah’s ability to swing and seam the ball both ways while maintaining a sharp bouncer.

For fans, the comparisons may continue, but for Akram, the matter is closed. In his words, he delivered in his time, and Bumrah is doing it in his. The debate might stir curiosity, but both men remain masters of their craft. And for those who enjoy drawing parallels, a detailed Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison is available on tapmad, where you can explore the full numbers side by side.