Shoaib Akhtar Advises Jasprit Bumrah to Focus on Shorter Formats, Hints at Quitting Test Cricket

Shoaib Akhtar Advises Jasprit Bumrah to Focus on Shorter Formats, Hints at Quitting Test Cricket

Concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s long-term prospects in the longest format of cricket were recently raised by Shoaib Akhtar in a discussion about his situation in Test cricket. Despite Bumrah’s incredible 20.01 average in Test cricket and a string of standout performances across his career that have made him a sensation in all formats, Akhtar hinted that a choice to concentrate on limited-overs cricket would soon be made.

The former Pakistani pacer shared his opinions on The Nakash Khan Show podcast: Because he has a solid understanding of length, he is an excellent fast bowler for one-dayers and shorter forms. He can swing the ball both ways and performs admirably in powerplay and death overs, Akhtar said. However, you have to bowl longer stretches in Test cricket. The hitters aren’t always aiming to hit you, so you need speed. With that lack of pace, length becomes meaningless, and you begin to struggle if the ball doesn’t seam or reverse. People begin to wonder when you struggle.

In the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Akhtar praised Bumrah’s outstanding record of 185 Test wickets in 42 games, noting that no other player had a higher average. Although he acknowledged Bumrah’s potential as a premier seamer, he expressed worry about his fitness issues, which may jeopardize his long-term Test career.

Akhtar declared, “He’s competent enough to take wickets in Test cricket.” It happened, even if he didn’t contribute much to the Test series against New Zealand. However, he must quicken his speed if he is to play Test cricket in the future. He runs the danger of being hurt doing this. I would have stayed with shorter formats if I were him.

Also Read: D Gukesh Responds to Magnus Carlsen’s Criticism of World Championship Victory: ‘The Pure Chess Part Was…’

“I’ll go out there, bend my back, and make sure I take wickets for the team in Test matches if it’s about how I’m feeling that day. I don’t mind at all,” Akhtar said. However, Bumrah needs to take care of himself since he wants to play in the IPL, ODIs, and Test matches. However, as he is a valuable asset to international cricket, his long-term career should come first. Akhtar ended on a positive one regarding Bumrah’s future in the sport, saying, “We must be careful not to ruin him by not taking good care of him.”