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No Bumrah But Rauf! Aakash Chopra Picks 5 T20I Pacers; Controversial Choices Spark Debate

Muskaan Bhatt

Aakash Chopra picked Haris Rauf in place of Jasprit Bumrah (Source:@ICC,@muffadalvohra/X.com)Aakash Chopra picked Haris Rauf in place of Jasprit Bumrah (Source:@ICC,@muffadalvohra/X.com)

Despite India's transition period, the Men in Blue have had an incredible year. Bringing home the coveted ICC's T20 World Cup trophy after years and ending the draught, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and more became the heroes of 2024's cricketing triumph.

With this year coming to an end, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra’s recent selection of his top five T20I fast bowlers of 2024 has sparked a debate. To everyone's surprise, big names like that of India's legendary bowler Jasprit Bumrah was missing from Chopra's list, whereas he went with some rather unknown yet incredible fast bowlers. 

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained his choices, starting with Pakistan's Haris Rauf at No. 5.:

"At No. 5, I have kept Haris Rauf. He took three wickets against India if you talk about the World Cup, seven wickets against New Zealand in New Zealand, and five wickets against Australia in just two games. He has picked up 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 19 and an economy of nine," he said.

Ferguson, Pathirana, Afridi and Arshdeep Follow

At No. 4, Chopra picked New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, praising his consistency despite limited appearances.

Lockei Ferguson (Source: @muffadal_vohra/X.com)Lockei Ferguson (Source: @muffadal_vohra/X.com)

"At No. 4, I have kept Lockie Ferguson. He has played only 10 matches. However, he has taken 20 wickets. His economy is just 4.88 and he has an average of 9.25. He picked up four wickets against Australia in just 3.5 overs while giving 12 runs. He has a few three-wicket hauls as well," he elaborated.

Chopra’s No. 3 was Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana, who has impressed with 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.67. 

"At No. 3, we have put Matheesha Pathirana's name. There is no doubt that he has grown in stature. He has picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.67 and an average of 13.25. The last time he went wicketless was against South Africa in New York," Chopra observed.

Chopra ranked Abbas Afridi, and not Shaheen Afridi, at No. 2, citing his impressive 30 wickets in 18 matches with an economy under 8.5.

"I have gone with a slightly left-field selection here. I have not kept Shaheen Shah Afridi, but the other Afridi, Abbas Afridi, at No. 2. He has picked up 30 wickets in 18 matches. His economy is less than 8.5 and has an average of 14.96. He has taken a lot of wickets consistently and against good teams," he said.

Topping the list was India’s Arshdeep Singh, whom Chopra lauded for his ability to provide breakthroughs with the new ball. 

Arshdeep Singh in action (Source: @muffadal_vohra/X.com)Arshdeep Singh in action (Source: @muffadal_vohra/X.com)

"I have kept Arshdeep Singh at No. 1. He has picked up 36 wickets in 18 matches at an economy of 7.49 and an average of 13.5. He lives up to any parameter you set. He gives a breakthrough every time with the new ball. The last time he went wicketless was 27th June," Chopra observed.