Rishi Dhawan Hails Bumrah's Brilliance, Backs Shami's Return
Former pacer Rishi Dhawan calls Jasprit Bumrah the world's best and urges selectors to recall Mohammed Shami to the Indian squad.
Former Indian fast bowler Rishi Dhawan has lauded Jasprit Bumrah as the premier fast bowler in international cricket today, citing his unparalleled ability to master every format of the game. The 36-year-old pacer also expressed strong support for the return of Mohammed Shami to the national setup, following the recent inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series.
Bumrah: The Ultimate All-Format Weapon
Speaking to ANI, Dhawan emphasized that Bumrah's consistency across different styles of play makes him a unique asset for India. He noted that Bumrah's presence alone provides a psychological boost to the entire team.
"Jasprit Bumrah, because if you see, his performance in every format remains consistently top-notch. He changes and adapts himself exceptionally well, and his performances are always at the highest level. When he is in the side, we don't have to worry about anything—knowing Jasprit still has two overs left gives the confidence that we can comfortably win the match," Dhawan said.
Dhawan highlighted the technical mastery Bumrah displays, noting his:
- T20 Mastery: Remarkable variations that keep batsmen guessing.
- Test Match Precision: The ability to swing the ball both ways while maintaining impeccable control over his line and length.
"Because of this, I consider him a complete bowler," Dhawan added, praising the immense work the speedster has put into his craft.
The Case for Mohammed Shami's Recall
With the Indian squad for the five T20Is against New Zealand announced, the spotlight has turned to the composition of the pace battery. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar has earned a call-up after a four-year hiatus, Dhawan believes the team would benefit significantly from the return of Mohammed Shami.
Shami, who last appeared for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, has been grinding through domestic cricket to prove his fitness and form. Dhawan pointed out that Shami has not been "resting" between matches but has instead been playing full, demanding seasons.
"In whatever domestic cricket he is playing, he is putting in immense hard work. We can see that he is playing complete seasons—it's not like he plays one match and rests the next. He is playing complete seasons and delivering strong performances. Hopefully, the selectors will recognise the need for an experienced, fit fast bowler like him," Dhawan stated.
A Strengthening Pace Unit
The upcoming tour of New Zealand, starting October 22, will feature five T20Is, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches. The resurgence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar—who recently enjoyed a stellar IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, claiming 45 wickets in 31 matches—has already set a precedent for experienced bowlers returning to the fold.
Dhawan believes that combining the spearheading brilliance of Bumrah with the seasoned expertise of bowlers like Shami would create a formidable force for India across all formats of the game.